Highland Folk Museum - 32

Here we see the Curling Lake in the Museum grounds, located in a pinewood.



Curling is a winter ice sport. It was well-established in Scotland by the 16th century, and today forms part of the Winter Olympics. On the ice, teams slid or 'delivered' their curling stones, made of turned granite rock, from the 'hack' along the 50 yards long rink towards the concentric circles of the 'house'. The competition was to get the closest to the target, often a turned wooden 'bottle' at the house's centre.

Highland Folk Museum - 31

Here we see The Joiners Workshop.



Records date this traditional two-story joiners workshop from King Street, Kingussie, to 1904 - when Donald Fraser first paid £5 annual rent. Trading as 'D.Fraser & Co. Joiners and Cabinetmakers', he undertook all forms of woodwork from building parts to cart repairs and coffins. The business was taken over a number of times, and work finally ceased in 1996.

The Museum have relocated the main building and re-crerated the machine shop for the 1930s. The workshop benches, some tools and many other items are from Fraser's time.

Easter Hymn - 5

At the Lamb's high feast we sing
praise to our victorious King,
who hath washed us in the tide
flowing from his pierced side;
praise we him, whose love divine
gives his sacred Blood for wine,
gives his Body for the feast,
Christ the victim, Christ the priest.

Where the Paschal blood is poured,
death's dark angel sheathes his sword;
Israel's hosts triumphant go
through the wave that drowns the foe.
Praise we Christ, whose blood was shed,
Paschal victim, Paschal bread;
with sincerity and love
eat we manna from above.

Mighty victim from on high,
hell's fierce powers beneath thee lie;
thou hast conquered in the fight,
thou hast brought us life and light:
now no more can death appall,
now no more the grave entrall;
thou hast opened paradise,
and in thee thy saints shall rise.

Easter triumph, Easter joy,
sin alone can this destroy;
from sin's power do thou set free
souls newborn, O Lord, in thee.
Hymns of glory and of praise,
Risen Lord, to thee we raise;
Holy Father, praise to thee,
with the Spirit, ever be.



Happy Sunday!

Highland Folk Museum - 30

We are now standing inside MacPherson's Tailors Shop.



During the 1940s, Donald closed the shop and went to work for Shannon's of Greenock. After that, the building became a sheep shelter and latterly a store. The Museum have recreated the shop and the work room for the late 1930s with replicated fittings.

Below is a photo of the workroom.

Highland Folk Museum - 29

We are now standing outside MacPherson's Tailor's Shop.



From Newtonmore, this small 'Shop and Workroom' was constructed by builder, Alexander McPherson, for his son Donald on his return, wounded, after World War I. Donald was a ladies and gentlemen's high-class tailor and outfitter. He was proud of his work, and promised prompt and personal attention to all orders.

Highland Folk Museum - 28

Here we see a lovely rainbow over the Folk Museum - a fitting image for Ascension Day!



It would have been nice to feature Leanach Church for our Ascension Day hymn - but to be honest, the harmonium was rarely played, and the usual music was 'presented' Gaelic psalms which are commonly associated with the Free Church. We must therefore turn to a Catholic Church in America for our video recording.

Hail the day that sees him rise, Alleluia!
to his throne above the skies; Alleluia!
Christ, the Lamb for sinners given, Alleluia!
enters now the highest heaven! Alleluia!

There for him high triumph waits; Alleluia!
lift your heads, eternal gates! Alleluia!
he hath conquered death and sin; Alleluia!
take the King of glory in! Alleluia!

Lo! the heaven its Lord receives, Alleluia!
yet he loves the earth he leaves; Alleluia!
though returning to his throne, Alleluia!
still he calls mankind his own. Alleluia!

See! he lifts his hands above; Alleluia!
See! he shows the prints of love: Alleluia!
Hark! his gracious lips bestow, Alleluia!
blessings on his Church below. Alleluia!

Still for us he intercedes, Alleluia!
his prevailing death he pleads, Alleluia!
near himself prepares our place, Alleluia!
he the first fruits of our race. Alleluia!

Lord, though parted from our sight, Alleluia!
far above the starry height, Alleluia!
grant our hearts may thither rise, Alleluia!
seeking thee above the skies. Alleluia!

There we shall with thee remain, Alleluia!
partners of thy eternal reign, Alleluia!
there thy face forever see, Alleluia!
find our heaven of heavens in thee, Alleluia!



Happy Feast!

Highland Folk Museum - 27

The main body of the Kirk measures 43 feet by 21 feet and the pulpit 7 feet by 6 feet. Originally there was a hall heating stove and light was by oil lamp.

The harmonium (a reed organ by Mason and Hamlin) and the communion table are both original.