We're set up and ready at the North Texas Irish Festival in the Automobile Building, Fair Park, Dallas, Texas! Clan Aye! Stop by if you're around!
From the 52nd Charleston Scottish Games and Highland Festival in Charleston, South Carolina on Saturday, November 4th 2023. We had an awesome time! Aye Ready!
We had an awesome time at the Seaside Highland Games in Ventura, CA! Thanks to all who came out!![]()
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⚔️🏴 AYE READY! 🏴⚔️
A great time at the Colorado Scottish Festival! Thanks to those who came out!
An outstanding weekend at the Glengarry Highland Games! ![]()
Perfect weather and beautiful venue. ![]()
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Thank you to all who visited us and who joined us in the Clan Parade!
The Devil’s Beef Tub -![]()
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This deep natural corrie in the hills to the north of Moffat is both the source of the river Annan and the birthplace of much history. The name originated in the wild times of the Border Reivers when the Johnstone clan used the corrie for storing their stolen cattle. The feared Johnstones were known as devils and so the name De’ils Beef Tub was adopted and still remains in common use.![]()
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Drive up the modern A701 from Moffat to follow the contours around the rim, stop in a lay-by to enjoy the magnificent views. You will see the memorial to John Hunter, a local covenanter shot by Douglas’s Dragoons in 1685. Those times were called “The Killing Times” because those who refused to accept the appointment of Bishops by the Crown were hunted down and killed by government troops. The Black Bull Hotel in Moffat was the military HQ for South West Scotland under the command of John Graham of Claverhouse known then as “Bluidy Clavers”. Later, as Viscount Dundee, he became a Jacobite hero known as “Bonnie Dundee”.![]()
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In the base of the Beeftub stood Corehead tower, which in 1297 was owned by Thomas Halliday. Thomas was married to the sister of William Wallace who became a frequent visitor. It is said that from Corehead, Wallace began his early forays against the occupying English troops which developed into an all out war for independence. Walk or drive the road into the tub at dusk and you may just hear the distant clatter of hooves.![]()
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Source link: merlintrail.com/the-moffat-history-trail/
At the San Diego Highland Games! Aye Ready! Thanks to Tent Host, Brian Decker for sending this great images in. Looks like a blast.
New Reiver crew in training at Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. We will raid the Maxwell’s shortly.
We are looking for a CJA Member who has experience working with the TNG Genealogy program. If you can help, please contact Paul Johnston at [email protected]![]()
Thank you for your help!
The Story of The Devil's Beef Tub![]()
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The Devil's Beef Tub is a deep and dramatic hollow in the hills north of Moffat, just off the A701 Edinburgh Road. The 500-foot (150 m) deep hollow is formed by four hills, Great Hill (1527 ft, 465 m), Peat Knowe, Annanhead Hill, and Ericstane Hill. It's one of the two main sources of the River Annan; the other is from the neighbouring Hart Fell to the east.![]()
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The name derives from its use by the Border Reivers, namely the Johnstone family (whose enemies referred to them as devils), to hide stolen cattle; it is also called Marquis of Annandale's Beef-Tub after the Lord of Annandale, chief of the raiding 'loons' (meaning lads, rather than lunatics); rather less romantically, the name may also refer to the resemblance the valley bears to a tub used for preserving meat.![]()
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On 12 August 1685 fleeing Covenanter John Hunter attempted to escape pursuing dragoons by running up the steep side of the Beef Tub. He failed, was shot dead on the spot, and is buried in Tweedsmuir kirkyard. A monument to Hunter stands on the southwest rim of the Beef Tub.![]()
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In his novel Redgauntlet, novelist Walter Scott said, "It looks as if four hills were laying their heads together, to shut out daylight from the dark hollow space between them. A damned deep, black, blackguard-looking abyss of a hole it is".![]()
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The 'Postie Stone' lies just past the Devil's Beef Tub, heading north on the A701.![]()
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(Adapted from Wikipedia)
It’s a beautiful day at the Loch Norman Highland Games. Come by if your in the area!
Calling all Johnston/es in the Denver/Colorado area! The first Celtic Festival of the Colorado season is Easter weekend! Clan Johnston/e in America will be there, ready to share wee drams, shortbread and Doug's famous 'Scottish Highland Cream'! If you care to, come and join us in the booth and chat with us and with other visitors! Ready, Aye, READY!
Looking for a unique holiday gift? If you are already a current member of Clan Johnston/e in America you can give a $25 gift Annual Membership to family and friends! Login to the Members Only website (members.clanjohnstone.org/) and look under the 'Membership' menu option for 'Gift Membership: Annual' item to get started.
Just an FYI for those of you who are registered Members of Clan Johnston/e in America and have access to our Members Only website, the site has been down for a couple of days but it is now back up and running! ![]()
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Thanks for your patience and our apologies for the inconvenience.![]()
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Aye Ready!