It’s absolutely ages since I linked to some Guardian articles, so here goes!
I was sad to see Joan Lingard’s obituary in The Guardian last week, mind you she was 90. You can read it here. I don’t know if it can be said to be apt that she actually died on July the 12th, but it’s certainly quite spooky as she wrote a book with the title The Twelth Day of July, which is of course the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne. Joan Lingard was born in a taxi in Edinburgh’s Royal Mile/High Street!
With all that’s going on in America at the moment re Roe v Wade and abortion rights/women’s rights, I thought you might be interested in reading a very informative article on how things were done in the past. I often wondered how so many families in the past managed to be so small with no real contraception available! You can read about it here. Abortion in the 19th-century US was widely accepted as a means of avoiding the risks of pregnancy, and many women routinely got rid of the problem, it was acceptable right up until ‘quickening’ when you can first feel movement, usually around the fourth month. The idea of banning or punishing it came later. The article is written by Tamara Dean.
There’s a book review: Scotland The Global History – 1603 to the Present by Murray Pittock which you can read here. I think I’ll probably try to get a copy of the book, or borrow it. There’s no doubt that Scotland and Scots have contributed a lot to the world over the centuries, especially considering we’re such a wee country. But it’s time to look to the future and not dwell on the past glories!
I also thought it was interesting that Joan Lingard died on July 12th. I reread the first book in the Kevin and Sadie series recently thinking I would go to Belfast in June but I waited too long to buy my plane tickets and they’d tripled in price. I’d still like to go another time. I have now requested books 2 and 3 from the other end of Massachusetts.
Constance,
I have a lot of catching up to do regarding Joan Lingard’s books, but I did manage to buy a signed one recently from a shop in Edinburgh.
We have only been to Belfast once, to visit friends there, but we weren’t impressed, and it was July so there was all that nasty ‘orange’ atmosphere. Northern Ireland seemed like a ‘poor man’s Scotland’, the scenery was very disappointing, but I grew up very close to Loch Lomond so maybe I was spoiled! I can see why Lingard moved back to Edinburgh anyway.
Thanks for the interesting links! I will definitely read the abortion article.
I have a new coworker who lived in Edinburgh for 14 years so I’ve been learning a lot about Scotland lately!
Anbolyn,
How intriguing. I’m now wondering if she/he misses Edinburgh/Scotland – or if she’s glad to be back home! I seem to recall that your grandmother came from Scotland, maybe you’ll be able to see the place yourself sometime in the future!
He does miss Scotland. He only came back to the States to be with his elderly mother during Covid. He’s a permanent resident, though, and wants to go back one day.
My 4th great-grandmother (and generations beyond) was from Ayrshire. I’d definitely love to visit soon!
Anbolyn,
There are a lot of Americans living in Scotland, young and old. A lot of ‘veterans’ came back here after they retired as they had enjoyed their time in the west of Scotland when they were based there. Let us know when you plan to visit, in case we can at least meet up somewhere!