BATTLEGROUND PERTHSHIRE is a concise account of the battles and minor military events that have taken place within the county of Perthshire. Comprising two thousand years of battles, raids, rebellions, sieges, riots, feuds, ambushes and skirmishes, Battleground Perthshire shines the spotlight on the military history of Scotland’s big county. Drawn from extensive primary and secondary sources: archives, eyewitness accounts and official records, it tells the fascinating stories of struggles for wealth, power, freedom and the right to self-determination. This chronicle of Perthshire’s military history stands as an important reminder of some of the events that have marked the development of the Scottish people. It will appeal both to the reader interested in the history of Scotland and to those interested in military history.

Battleground Perthshire can be bought from most bookshops in the Perthshire area: The Watermill at Aberfeldy; Sweet Words at Dunkeld; Waterstones - various stores including Perth; WHSmith - Perth and Pitlochry. And, in Perth Museum, the AK Bell Library, Gloagburn Farm Shop, the Brig Farm Shop by Bridge of Earn. Alternatively, it may be purchased for £7.00 with FREE postage and packing to any UK address {Please email for postage costs for locations outside UK}. Send cheque or postal order (payable to Tippermuir Books) to Tippermuir Books, c/o 3 Graham's Place, King Street, Perth, Perth, PH2 8HZ. It can also be bought through most of the UK online (internet) booksellers.

Spanish Thermopylae: Cypriot Volunteers in the Spanish Civil War, 1936-39 SPANISH THERMOPYLÆ is the story of the fifty-seven Cypriots who served in the International Brigades during the Spanish Civil War, 1936-39. It is also the story of a war that defined the lives of a generation and whose outcome decided the fate of hundreds of millions of people across the world. Drawing on recently released records from the Comintern Archive in Moscow, Spanish Thermopylae will appeal both to the reader interested in the experiences of the Cypriot volunteers, and to anyone looking for a concise history of the Spanish Civil War. 'This is the first book devoted solely to the contribution made by Cypriots to the cause of democracy and progress in the Spanish Civil War. It bears witness to the injustice committed against humanity by fascism in Spain and the inspirational sacrifices made by a small band of Cypriot volunteers. Spanish Thermopylae is a fitting tribute to them, and the International Brigades.' Demetris Christofias, President of the Republic of Cyprus 'True to the best traditions of their Greek forefathers, the heroes of the Greek War of Independence, the Cypriots rallied to the support of Spanish democracy and independence, realising that a defeat for the Spanish people would have meant world war. On the Spanish battlefields was being decided the fate of Europe and with it that of Cyprus. They recognised fascism as the greatest enemy of humanity and volunteered to help crush it... Many Cypriots lie buried in the Spanish soil fighting fascism. Cyprus is proud of her heroic sons who fell in the anti-fascist cause, but the fight is not over. We fight on until fascism is destroyed from the face of the earth.' Ezekias Papaioannou, Cypriot International Brigades volunteer and General Secretary of AKEL (1949-88) "Before many years have passed, their own countries will feel equally proud of the volunteers. That will be their best and highest reward." Juan Negrín, Prime Minister of the Spanish Republic (1937-39). It is available from www.amazon.co.uk

 

 


HISTORY

Alexander Buchan - Meteorologist

 

Known as the father of meteorology, Alexander Buchan was born at Kinnesswood (Kinross-shire) on April 11 1829. Initial education was at the Free Church normal school. From an early age he took an interest in weather, formalising this study with a degree from Edinburgh University. A teaching job (1848-1860) was abandoned due to throat problems and so Buchan changed career directions becoming involved with research into meteorology - his first monthly global atmospheric pressure charts appeared in 1869 and were a landmark development in the science. He was appointed as secretary of the Scottish meteorology Society in 1860 and held that post for 45 years. His pioneering work into meteorology involved gathering data from across the globe so that large-scale assertions about weather could be made. Such assertions included: Winds in the Northern Hemisphere blow anti-clockwise around an area of low pressure. A key text written by Alexander Buchan is his Report on Atmospheric Circulation (1889). Buchan Spells, which are named after him, refer to periods of unusual warm and cold weather.

Alexander Buchan travelled considerably during his research period collecting data from many countries and regions of the world. To assist him with the mathematical aspects of weather calculations he employed his brilliant niece.

Edinburgh was his primary home as an academic researcher, but his time there was punctuated with periods of rest and relaxation at Kinnesswood. He died at Edinburgh on May 13 1907.

Amongst his other achievements are membership of the Meteorological Council of the Royal Society (1887) and fellowship of the of the Royal Society (1898).

Makdougall-Brisbane prize (1876)

Symons medal of the Royal Meteorological Society

Gunning Victoria Jubilee prize (1893) of the Royal Society of Edinburgh

Writings:

Handy Book of Meteorology (1867)

Introductory Textbook of Meteorology (1871)

The Weather and Health of London (with Sir Arthur Mitchell)

Report on Atmospheric Circulation (1889) - Atmospheric Circulation (1889) in the voyage of H.M.S. Challenger

Oceanic Circulation (1895) - Editor