New Reply from NTS: Way Forward or Dead End?

Canadian Livingstone · Thu Oct 11, 2007 7:17 pm

As a discussion group we should consider a number of possible options including Craig's, but in my oppinion lets stick it out for the long term as Niall suggests with letters and see if that puts us in a better negotiating position. The NTS is obviously a well respected organization, whatever we may feel for the moment,with a clear mandate to properly maintain and organize historical sites. They are just wrong on this one and we must try and convince them that there are other options that should be considered. regards, Donald

Canadian Livingstone · Sat Oct 13, 2007 5:04 am

So the so called commoner or sept clans from the Appin Regiment will be recognised for the first time ever at Culloden Battlefield according to the NTS. After over 260 years I would not think that is something one would wish to boast about.

Jill Richmond · Post by **Jill Richmond** » Sat Oct 13, 2007 2:42 pm

I have today written the following letter to Miss MacPherson in support for the letters written by David and Kyle; Dear Miss MacPherson, The Appin Battlefield Marker I am writing yo you to add my name in support for the letters written to you by Mr. David Livingston and Dr. Kyle MacLea. Dr. MacLea has written extremely well argued letters to you about the above marker, and I agree with every word he has written. As a number of other clans fought in the Appin Regiment surely it is more equitable that the marker should read "The Appin Regiment" rather than "The Appin Regiment - Stewarts and MacLarens". To the casual observer the latter must imply that only Stewarts and MacLarens were members of the regiment. I see in your reply to Dr. MacLea that you say: "At the National Trust for Scotland we do recognise that the Appin Regiment comprised more than the Stewarts and Maclarens. I do not believe our action shows any disrespect to the others who took part, especially as for the first time ever all the clans that participated in the battle on 16th April 1746 will be recognised at the centre." I do not mean to sound abrasive, but if all the clans that participated in the Battle of Culloden are to be recognised at the centre, why do the Stewarts of Appin and the Maclarens need to be recognised on the battlefield marker as well? Surely it does seem right that this marker, in fairness to the other clans of Appin, should read "The Appin Regiment" and I do hope that the National Trust for Scotland can agree to changing it to read just that. Yours sincerely, Jill Richmond (nee Livingston) I do not suppose that what I have written will cut much ice with Miss MacPherson, but at least I have added my name to the others in protest against something that seems manifestly unfair. Regards to you all, Jill

Kyle2 MacLea · Post by **Kyle2 MacLea** » Sat Oct 13, 2007 4:47 pm

Actually, Jill, it just might!

Canadian Livingstone · Sat Oct 13, 2007 5:10 pm

Hi Jill, Your letter adds one more voice of reason that the NTS can't ignore. In your well written letter you made some excellent points which can only help to strengthen our chances of resolving this. regards, Donald

Jill Richmond · Post by **Jill Richmond** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 7:32 pm

Thank you Kyle and Donald for your kind remarks about the letter I wrote to Shonaig MacPherson. I will post her reply on the forum when, and if, I receive one. Also it is great to have Dr. Martin MacIntyre on side. He has written a pretty powerful letter, and as you rightly surmised I certainly enjoyed it! Regards, Jill

Jill Richmond · Post by **Jill Richmond** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 5:11 pm

Dear Forum, I have now received a reply from Miss Shonaig Macpherson about the Appin Regiment Battlefield Marker (see my original letter to her in my entry of 13th October above). She says: 24th October 2007 Dear Mrs. Richmond Thank you for your letter regarding the Appin Battlefield Marker. Over a protracted period of time we have considered what the marker on the battlefield should state regarding the Appin Regiment. We understand that you and other clan members do not accept our view. However, as I have stated repeatedly, for the first time ever your clan will be recognised in full at the visitor centre. I therefore believe that we are giving due recognition to all clans involved in the battlefield. I do hope that when you visit the new centre when it opens you will agree that we have recognised all appropriately. Yours sincerely, Shonaig Macpherson CBE, FRSE So there we have it. She is entrenched in her view about this, and has not addressed the points that I raised in my original letter, preferring to reiterate the NTS line that all the clans who were involved in the battle will be recognised in the visitor centre. My own personal view on this is that the Marker stone is probably already in place and that the NTS are not going to change it if they possibly can avoid doing so. Regards, Jill

Kyle2 MacLea · Post by **Kyle2 MacLea** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 7:44 pm

Thanks for sending us your response, Jill! Sometimes I get a flexible vibe from SM, sometimes not.

Jerry · Post by **Jerry** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 10:16 pm

I believe a new forceful letter campaign needs to be started.

Bachuil · Post by **Bachuil** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 10:38 pm

Although we are getting an ostrich response from the NTS their case does not stand up to any independent scrutiny. The more they bury their heads in the sand the more stupid they will look.

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