#rally driving day in Scotland

[johnalexcooper]

Ready to Rally? Why You Should Consider Taking Rally Driving Classes Today

If you’ve ever dreamed of tearing through rugged terrain, mastering hairpin bends, and experiencing the thrill of high-speed control, then rally driving might just be the perfect sport for you. Rally driving is one of the most exciting and challenging motorsports in the world, and Scotland offers some of the best landscapes for learning the skills required to become a skilled rally driver. Whether you are a complete beginner or someone looking to sharpen your racing techniques, Rally Driving Classes in Scotland can offer an unforgettable experience.

The Appeal of Rally Driving

Rally driving is not just about speed; it’s about control, precision, and adaptability. Unlike track racing, where the surface is predictable, rally driving involves navigating through unpredictable conditions such as gravel, mud, snow, and tarmac. This makes it one of the most technical and exhilarating motorsports available.

Scotland, with its varied terrain, provides the perfect setting for learning these essential driving skills. From the twisting rural roads to the challenging off-road trails, there’s no better place to test your mettle behind the wheel. Rally Driving Classes in Scotland are designed to help drivers of all levels build confidence, develop quick reflexes, and learn the techniques necessary to handle different road surfaces.

What to Expect from Rally Driving Classes in Scotland

If you’re considering signing up for rally driving lessons, here’s what you can expect:

1. Professional Instruction

Rally driving is not something you can learn by trial and error. Expert instructors will guide you through the techniques required for rally driving, including handbrake turns, weight transfer control, and left-foot braking. These techniques will help you control the car on loose surfaces and navigate difficult corners effectively.

2. Learning Car Control Techniques

One of the main focuses of Rally Driving Classes in Scotland is teaching drivers how to control their vehicles in extreme conditions. You'll learn how to drift, control slides, and recover from skids—essential skills for anyone looking to master the art of rally driving.

3. Driving on Different Surfaces

Rally driving isn’t just about speed—it’s about adapting to different surfaces. Whether you’re driving on gravel, mud, or tarmac, classes will help you understand how your car reacts to various terrains and how to adjust your driving accordingly.

4. Building Confidence and Safety Awareness

Safety is a crucial aspect of rally driving. Classes emphasize car control and situational awareness, ensuring that you not only enjoy the experience but also understand the importance of responsible driving in high-speed environments.

Who Can Join Rally Driving Classes?

The great thing about Rally Driving Classes in Scotland is that they cater to all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner with no previous experience or an advanced driver looking to refine your skills, there’s a class suited for you.

Many courses are open to individuals over a certain age limit (usually 17 and above) and do not require previous motorsport experience. Some courses even offer taster sessions, allowing you to experience rally driving without committing to a full program.

Why Scotland is the Best Place for Rally Driving

Scotland is known for its breathtaking landscapes and rugged terrain, making it an ideal location for rally-driving enthusiasts. Some reasons why Scotland stands out as a prime rally training destination include:

Varied Terrain: From forest trails to open countryside roads, Scotland provides a mix of terrains that can challenge drivers of all levels.

All-Weather Driving Conditions: Rain, snow, and sunshine can all be part of the same day’s weather in Scotland, making it an excellent training ground for real-world rally conditions.

Rich Motorsport Heritage: Scotland has a long history of motorsport excellence, with many professional rally drivers having honed their skills in the region.

Benefits of Taking Rally Driving Classes

There are many advantages to taking Rally Driving Classes in Scotland, whether you want to compete in rally events or just enjoy an adrenaline-fueled driving experience:

Improved Car Handling: Rally driving techniques can help you become a better driver in everyday situations, particularly in poor weather conditions.

Adrenaline Rush: Few experiences match the excitement of controlling a rally car at high speed over challenging terrain.

Newfound Confidence: Learning how to handle a car in extreme conditions boosts confidence in both rally and road driving.

Potential Career Pathway: If you’re interested in motorsport as a career, rally driving classes can be the first step toward competitive racing.

How to Get Started

If you’re ready to experience the thrill of rally driving, the next step is to find a reputable training centre offering Rally Driving Classes in Scotland. Many facilities provide beginner-friendly courses and advanced training for those looking to take their skills to the next level.

Before signing up, consider:

Checking reviews and testimonials from past participants.

Looking for courses that offer a mix of theory and practical training.

Ensuring safety measures are in place, including using helmets, roll cages, and expert supervision.

Final Thoughts

Rally driving is a unique and exhilarating sport that challenges your driving skills in ways that regular road driving cannot. Whether you're looking for a thrilling adventure or a way to improve your driving techniques, Rally Driving Classes in Scotland offer an experience like no other. With expert guidance, challenging terrains, and an adrenaline rush that’s hard to match, now is the perfect time to get behind the wheel and take your driving to the next level.

So, are you ready to rally? Book your rally driving class today and embark on an unforgettable motorsport adventure!

[neiljohnsblog]

The Benefits of Rally Driving Days: Boost Your Skills and Confidence Behind the Wheel

If you’re a driving enthusiast looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience, Rally Driving Days in Scotland might just be the perfect opportunity for you. Scotland’s rugged terrain, winding roads, and stunning landscapes make it an ideal location for rally driving. Not only do these experiences offer thrilling adventures, but they also help participants develop essential driving skills, build confidence, and create unforgettable memories.

Let’s explore the key benefits of rally driving days and why they’re an excellent choice for anyone passionate about driving or seeking a unique adventure.

Develop Advanced Driving Skills

Rally driving isn’t just about speed; it’s about control, precision, and adaptability. During Rally Driving Days in Scotland, you’ll learn techniques that go far beyond what traditional driving lessons offer. Professional instructors guide participants through various skills, such as:

Cornering techniques: Learn how to navigate tight bends and hairpin turns with precision.

Controlled braking: Master the art of braking effectively on different surfaces, such as gravel, mud, and tarmac.

Throttle control: Understand how to maintain optimal speed while retaining full control of the vehicle.

Skid recovery: Gain the confidence to handle slides and skids, a vital skill for unpredictable road conditions.

These skills are not only invaluable for rally driving but also improve your overall driving ability, making you a safer and more competent driver in everyday life.

Boost Your Confidence Behind the Wheel

One of the standout benefits of Rally Driving Days in Scotland is the confidence boost they provide. Driving at high speeds on challenging terrains might seem intimidating at first, but with professional guidance, you’ll quickly find your stride. By the end of the day, most participants are amazed at what they’ve accomplished.

This newfound confidence doesn’t just apply to rally driving. Many drivers report feeling more at ease on regular roads, particularly in adverse weather conditions or unfamiliar settings. Knowing how to handle a vehicle in challenging scenarios can make a world of difference to your driving mindset.

Experience the Thrill of Scotland’s Diverse Terrain

Scotland’s natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for rally driving. With its mix of winding forest tracks, open gravel paths, and hilly landscapes, every course offers a unique challenge. Whether you’re navigating tight corners in the Highlands or tackling muddy trails in the Lowlands, Rally Driving Days in Scotland deliver an unparalleled sense of adventure.

The diverse terrain ensures that participants get a comprehensive rally driving experience, testing their skills on various surfaces and conditions. Plus, the stunning scenery adds to the enjoyment, making the experience as visually rewarding as it is exciting.

Safe and Controlled Environment

One of the key aspects of Rally Driving Days in Scotland is the emphasis on safety. These experiences are designed to challenge drivers while ensuring they remain in a controlled environment. Professional instructors are present at all times, offering guidance and ensuring that all safety protocols are followed.

Participants are provided with essential safety equipment, such as helmets and harnesses, and the vehicles used are specially designed for rallying. This means you can focus on enjoying the experience without worrying about unnecessary risks.

A Unique Team-Building or Group Activity

Rally driving days aren’t just for individuals. They’re also an excellent option for groups looking to bond over a shared adventure. Whether it’s a team-building activity for colleagues, a birthday celebration, or a stag or hen party, Rally Driving Days in Scotland offers a memorable experience that everyone can enjoy.

Many rally venues offer tailored packages for groups, ensuring that everyone gets a chance to participate and enjoy the thrill of the track. It’s a fantastic way to create lasting memories and strengthen relationships in a unique and exciting setting.

Improve Your Reaction Time and Focus

Rally driving requires quick thinking and sharp reflexes. As you navigate challenging courses, you’ll need to make split-second decisions and adapt to changing conditions. Over time, this improves your reaction time and ability to focus under pressure—skills that are beneficial both on and off the road.

A Rewarding Sense of Achievement

Completing a rally driving day is no small feat. From mastering new techniques to tackling challenging courses, participants often leave with a deep sense of accomplishment. It’s an experience that pushes you out of your comfort zone and proves what you’re capable of behind the wheel.

Why Choose Rally Driving Days in Scotland?

Scotland’s rally driving experiences stand out for several reasons:

Stunning Locations: From the Highlands to the Borders, Scotland offers some of the most picturesque rally courses in the world.

Expert Instruction: Professional instructors ensure that participants of all skill levels can enjoy and learn during their experience.

Tailored Experiences: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced driver, there are courses to suit every level.

Unforgettable Memories: The combination of thrill, skill-building, and breathtaking scenery makes for an experience you’ll cherish for years to come.

How to Get Started

Ready to embark on your rally-driving adventure? Begin by researching Rally Driving Days in Scotland and selecting a venue or course that suits your preferences. Many locations offer flexible packages, so you can choose a single session or a full-day experience. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and prepare for a day of excitement and learning.

Whether you’re a seasoned driver or a complete beginner, rally driving in Scotland offers something for everyone. It’s a chance to challenge yourself, improve your skills, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t wait—start planning your rally-driving adventure today!

[scotianostra]

12th January 1777 saw the death of Brigadier-General Hugh Mercer, the Scottish-born American revolutionary general.

Hugh Mercer was born in 1726 to Ann Monro and William Mercer, a Presbyterian Minister, near Rosehearty Aberdeenshire. He earned his doctorate in medicine at the University of Aberdeen and, later, served as a surgeon in the army of Charles Edward Stuart, a during the Jacobite uprising of 1745, Mercer became a fugitive in his own country. He managed to flee Scotland for the American colonies, where he settled in Pennsylvania and established a medical practice.

In 1756, Mercer, like many Jacobites, was serving the same army that had been his enemy only a decade earlier. During the Seven Years’ War, he received a commission as captain of a Pennsylvania regiment that accompanied Lt. Col. John Armstrong’s raid on the Indian village of Kittanning. Mercer was wounded during the raid but managed to escape through the woods, wandering injured, alone, and hungry for days until he reached Fort Shirley. He was subsequently promoted to the rank of colonel and, as a result, became close friends with fellow colonel George Washington.

In the early days of the Revolution, Mercer took command of a small force of Virginia Minute Men from Spotsylvania, King George, Stafford, and Caroline Counties. Eventually, he rose to the rank of brigadier general in the Continental Army, and in the winter of 1776 accompanying his old acquaintance, George Washington, in the New York City Campaign, and subsequent retreat to New Jersey.

Following the Patriot victory at Trenton, New Jersey, Mercer led a vanguard of 350 soldiers toward Princeton, New Jersey with orders from Washington to destroy the Stony Brook Bridge. On January 3, 1777, Mercer met a larger British force at Clarke’s Orchard. The struggle between these two forces quickly turned into a race to secure the strategic position on the heights of a nearby hill. During the struggle, musket and rifle fire turned to hand-to-hand combat with bayonets. Unfortunately, an overwhelming majority of Mercer’s men had no bayonets on their muskets. As his men began to fall back, Mercer stepped forward and desperately rallied his men with the words “Forward! Forward!” His command was met by the forceful thrust of British bayonets to his chest, and he fell to the ground.

Finding Mercer still alive, Continental soldiers removed him to a nearby oak tree, which would later bear his name, and finally to the field hospital in the Thomas Clarke House, where he died of his wounds on January 12th, 1777. The Patriots ultimately succeeded in driving the British from Princeton, and the legacy of General Mercer’s courageous efforts became a rallying cry for American troops.

[bertiebusyt]

Nightmare Van Life Problems could have been Disastrous

Nightmare Van Life Problems could have been Disastrous https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX06FDc6MH8 What a DISASTROUS day, Van Life Fuel PROBLEMS from cheap Supermarket DIESEL . Welcome back to our channel as we experience fuel problems after using cheap supermarket fuel when suddenly the EDC engine warning light comes on as our motorhome started juddering and misfiring whilst driving along a busy dual carrageway .We have to do an emergency stop and panicked to find a solution 0n the road . Find out what we did to try and resolve the issue before a complete breakdown . Plus we book onto a campsite but when we turn up there is a rally on and we was not welcome and did not want to risk getting stuck on a muddy field so we had to turn around to try and find somewhere else late at night to park up . We then had trouble paying for the park up online as it would not accept our payment . Todays Vlog is all about us not having a great day in Van Life and how we overcome the issues thrown at us all within a few hours . We give some valuable advice from what we have learnt through real situations and real events in our Motorhome life . In this Vlog we include ; Fuel Problems Booked Campsite Issues Solutions on the road Overnight park up Van Life Travel Pets in Our Motorhome Beautiful Beach and Castle 🔔Hit subscribe to join our travelling family & never miss an update on motorhome adventure, real-time vlogs, travel tips, and loads of laughter. / @bertiebus 🔗Support Our Channel ☕Buy us a coffee: https://ift.tt/0TFAMjC ✅ Stay Connected With Us. 👉Facebook:https://ift.tt/a2rNbWs?... 👉Instagram: https://ift.tt/sBylGiC... 📩 For Business Inquiries: needham1505@gmail.com ============================= 🎬 Recommended Playlist 👉 Bertie Bus • How We Got Lost In Mallaig: A Van Lif... 🎬 WATCH OUR OTHER VIDEOS: 👉 We SCREWED up in MALLAIG Scotland 👉 Someone has hit our van in the car park 👉 Flooded Sink Problems .The jo 👉 Anchored down on the West Coast of Scotland., Living in a Motorhome on the road full time . • The Best Fish & Chips on the West Coa... 👉 Strange happenings in our MOTORHOME VAN LIFE ============================= ✅ About Bertie Bus. Hi guys. We are John and Zoe. We started our YouTube channel in Aug 2022. We live full-time in our motorhome called Bertie. We have two gorgeous border collies with us on our travels. We release a vlog every few days and keep it real and entertaining. We also keep it within two days of where we are. Please join our family and become one of our friends. Please subscribe and follow our adventures for tips and ideas or just to laugh with us and our banter with each other ❤️ For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below: 📩 Email: needham1505@gmail.com 🔔Hit subscribe to join our travelling family & never miss an update on motorhome adventure, real-time vlogs, travel tips, and loads of laughter. / @bertiebus ================================= #vanlife #travelwithpets #traveltips #motorhome #livinginavan #problem #travelvlog ⚠️DISCLAIMER: We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your research. Copyright Notice: This video and our YouTube channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Bertie Bus. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube channel is provided. © Bertie Bus via Bertie Bus https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwG3U4blYbNJ5biJvFIydZA June 03, 2024 at 12:00PM

[cllrfrasermacpherson]

Temporary Traffic Order - Trade Unions May Day March tomorrow

From the City Council : THE ROADS (SCOTLAND) ACT 1984 – SECTION 62 THE DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL AS TRAFFIC AUTHORITY being satisfied that traffic on the road should be prohibited by reason of the Trade Unions May Day March and Rally HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in : 1 Blackness Road (from Unite the Union car park to Hawkhill)2 Hawkhill (from Blackness Road to West Marketgait)3 West…

[dragonstepp]

I have read so many comments about Sam and his showing off a bottle of Sassenach when the emphasis seems to be on the new Triumph. I have not figured out which Sam to listen to. He says he is passionate about Scotland; he says he isyhas so many other interests, his organizations for cancer research, his endowments, his work for MPC and the environment. I praise him for all of these things. But he is going to burn out if he keeps so many fires going.

Anyway, he is putting a lot of work into his distilling business, and that is where I think his true interests lie these days. And that brings me to his many poses for products. The Sassenach is used as product placement - in other words, he uses his primary product usages, whether he is modeling a new outfit, a new car, a new motorcycle, to promote his Sassenach alcohol products by product placement.

This can be used for many things. I watch Ford vs Ferrari evheery time it comes on TV. One of the stars is Cait; of her three movies I have seen, Belfast, Money Monster, and this one, Ford vs Ferrari, this is the best. I can safely say the reason is because I like Cait, and I like car racing. It is one of my passions. Today I noticed the Coke product placement. I enjoy, when I see movies or series to watch for product placement.

Anyway I imagine Sam is aware of drinking and driving, and the dangers; my curiosity with this motorcycle, though, is that the seat does not allow for riders riding pinion, so what do they need two cups for. Just a place to put drinks for two for a rally? or a picnic? If so, then they are saying have a drink or six before you get back on the bike again.

Sometimes folks just don't think it through.

C

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sam Heughan (@samheughan)

[blackswaneuroparedux]

The Scots Greys and the turning of the tide at Battle of Waterloo

They never consider the situation, never think of manoeuvring before an enemy and never keep back or provide a reserve. They’re charging at everything!

- Duke of Wellington reflecting on the charge of the British cavalry after the Battle of Maguilla in 1812

The Duke of Wellington was never pleased with his cavalry. In Spain he  condemned them for “charging at everything”, getting cut up in the  process or finding themselves on a distant part of the battlefield,  horses blown, at the very moment they were needed elsewhere. So at Waterloo the Iron Duke intended to keep the mounted arm on a tight rein.

It was, after all, the first time he would actually face Napoleon in  the field, and the situation was not auspicious. He had been taken by  surprise. He famously learnt of the sudden appearance of the French on  the border with the Southern Netherlands (now Belgium) at the Duchess of  Richmond’s ball in Brussels on 15 June. “Napoleon has humbugged me, by  God!” The following day his Prussian allies were worsted at Ligny. Hs  own troops, rushed forward to nearby Quatre Bras, were badly mauled. He  was on the back foot.

But his capacity to anticipate setbacks paid dividends. Some weeks  earlier he had chosen a piece of ground on which to make a stand if the  French were to come. The ridge of Mont St Jean, a mile south of the  village of Waterloo athwart the main road from Charleroi to Brussels.  The ridge ran north-east to south-west for about three miles, two-thirds  of which Wellington was able to occupy with infantry and artillery. To  support these he would post two brigades of light cavalry on the left  (east) flank and three on the right. Two brigades of heavy cavalry,  including the Scots Greys or, as they were then more properly known, the  2nd Royal (North British) Dragoons, would be in the centre. And to each  of the cavalry brigadiers, as well as to the Earl of Uxbridge (later  Marquess of Anglesey), the commander of the Allied cavalry and his  second in command, Wellington gave strict instructions not to leave  their positions without his express order.

The Duke was essentially a general who preferred to choose his  ground, make the enemy attack him and then use the superior musketry of  his infantry to defeat them. He intended Waterloo to be just such a  battle. In addition, for the first time he had the benefit of a strong  force of heavy cavalry inclusing the Scots Greys – bigger men, bigger  swords, bigger horses – to counter the French heavy cavalry or break up  an assault that threatened to overwhelm his infantry. And, indeed, the  charge of these two brigades, best known perhaps for Lady (Elizabeth)  Butler’s 1881 painting Scotland Forever! depicting the Scots Greys  galloping wildly at the French, would be one of the critical actions of  the battle, even, some argue, its turning point.

The Scots Greys had been formed in 1681 from a number of independent  troops of dragoons (originally men who dismounted to fight with the  musket, rather than fight from the saddle with sword and pistol), and  known as The Royal Regiment of Scots Dragoons. The “grey” of their later  title may at this time have referred to their uniform, for it was not  for a dozen years that this changed to red, and there is no record that  the Scots Greys used grey horses exclusively.

However, when inspected by King William III (William of Orange) in  1693 it was noted that the Scots Greys regiment were all mounted on  greys. Soon afterwards they were being referred to as the “Grey  Dragoons” or the “Scots Regiment of Grey Dragoons”. In 1707, after the  Act of Union, they were restyled “North British”, as the parliamentary  union envisaged Scotland to be. Not until 1877 would their nickname be  made official. They became the 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys),  inverted after the First World War to The Royal Scots Greys (2nd  Dragoons). They kept this title for 50 years until amalgamating with the  3rd Carabiniers (Prince of Wales’s Dragoon Guards) to form the Royal  Scots Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers and Greys).

When Napoleon escaped from Elba at the end of February 1815 to begin his  “Hundred Days”, the ill-starred attempt to retake the French crown and  continue his imperial ambitions, the Greys were one of a number of  regiments rushed to Belgium that had yet to fight “Napoleonic” troops.  Indeed, by the time of Waterloo few Scots Greys had seen battle - and  they were keen to make up for it.

Their moment came in the early afternoon of 18 June, when it looked as  if Wellington’s line at Waterloo would break. The Comte d’Erlon’s corps  of three infantry divisions, some 14,000 men, with 6,000 cavalry,  assaulted the Allied left wing and centre, which was held by  Dutch-Belgian brigades and Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Picton’s 5th  Division, the latter experienced Peninsular troops.

As d’Erlon’s men ascended the slope towards the sunken road that ran  the length of the ridge left of La Haye Sainte, driving back the British  skirmishers and reaching the thick hedge that fringed the road,  Picton’s men stood up, formed into a four-deep line to guard against  cavalry attack, advanced and began volleying.

However, the French deployed unusually quickly into line and returned  fire. Picton himself was killed after ordering a counter-attack in  language profane even by his own legendary standards, and soon his  troops were giving way under the pressure of numbers. At two o’clock  Napoleon appeared to be winning the Battle of Waterloo.

But Lieutenant-General the Earl of Uxbridge was a cavalry commander  of genius. Earlier estranged from Wellington on account of eloping with  the Duke’s youngest brother’s wife, he had been disbarred from service  in the Peninsula after brilliantly covering Sir John Moore’s gruelling  retreat to Corunna. But his cavalry coup d’oeil had not deserted him,  nor his moral courage. Despite the Duke’s orders that none of the  cavalry was to quit the ground it had been posted on without his express  will, Uxbridge ordered his two brigades – the Household Brigade (1st  and 2nd Life Guards, Royal Horse Guards and 1st (King’s) Dragoon Guards)  and the Union Brigade, so-called for its English, Scots and Irish  regiments (1st Royal Dragoons, 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons, and the  Scots Greys) – to charge in support of the hard-pressed infantry.

With a combined strength of nearly 2,500 sabres and led by Uxbridge,  the heavies advanced. The Household Brigade was first into the charge,  sweeping back the cuirassiers guarding d’Erlon’s left flank. To the  Household’s left the Union Brigade surged through the lines of  red-coated infantry in the sunken road, where some Gordon Highlanders  grasped their stirrups to get at the French, and at the foot of the  slope routed the two advanced infantry brigades of General Joachim  Quiot’s division, the Royals, capturing the eagle of the 105th Ligne  while Sergeant Ewart of the Greys, 6ft 4in tall and a master swordsman  and rider, captured the eagle of the 45th Ligne.

Only two eagles were  captured that day.

As with the Household, however, the officers of the Union Brigade  were finding it difficult to rein in their troops, and the heavies lost  all cohesion. With many casualties and still trying to reorder, the  Greys now found themselves before the main French lines, their horses  blown, though some galloped on to attack the guns of the Grande  Batterie. This was too much for Napoleon, who had hitherto left the  conduct of the battle to Marshal Michel Ney. He promptly ordered a  counter-attack by two cuirassier brigades and Baron Jacquinot’s two  Polish lancer regiments (a charge also painted by Lady Butler).

As  Major-General Sir William Ponsonby tried to rally his brigade he was  captured by Jacquinot’s men, whereupon several Greys galloped to their  brigadier’s rescue but the lancers at once killed him and three of his  would-be rescuers, who could do nothing to overcome the lance’s reach.  The rest of the heavies might also have been speared or sabred had it  not been for a counter-charge by Major-General Sir John Vandeleur’s  light dragoon brigade and two of Dutch-Belgians from the left flank, who  had also disobeyed Wellington’s orders to stay put.

The charge saved the remnants of the Household and Union brigades but  their casualties had been heavy, including the Greys’  lieutenant-colonel, James Hamilton, who was killed. The official  recorded losses for both brigades that day were 1,205 troopers and 1,303  horses, an extremely high proportion.

However, 14,000 French troops of D’Erlon’s corps had been committed  to the attack on the Allied centre at a cost of some 3,000 casualties  and irrecoverable time. It was four o’clock before they were ready to  advance again, by when, with the Allied line holding along the ridge and  Prussian troops beginning to arrive on the field from the east, it was  be-coming clear that Napoleon had lost the battle, although there would  be another two hours of increasingly desperate, bloody but futile French  attacks before Wellington judged it the moment to signal the whole line  to advance.

The Scots Greys would later incorporate the image of the captured  eagle in their cap badge, and Sergeant Ewart would be commissioned as an  ensign (second lieutenant) in the 5th Veteran Battalion of Infantry.  The following year he was invited to a Waterloo dinner in Edinburgh,  where Sir Walter Scott asked him to speak. But Ensign Ewart begged that  he might be excused, saying, “I would rather fight the Battle of  Waterloo over again than face so large an assemblage.”

The Battle of Waterloo, the culmination of more than twenty years of fighting in Europe and across the globe, was one of the greatest military defeats in history. Within a matter of hours it would not only result in thousands of deaths, but also in the destruction ofa well-experienced  army.

The role  that  the  Scots  Greys  played  in  the  Battle  of  Waterloo  was, perhaps something of a surprise. Although they had had  a long and relatively distinguished history, having fought in many battles from the time of William III in Holland, the group tasked with  fighting at Waterloo, the majority having little or no battle experience, proved themselves to be more than adequate on their day. Through sheer courage and determination they entered a bloody battle against all the odds.

Historians continue to debate whether the Scots Greys was the actual turning point of the Battle of Waterloo with as much vigour as they debate the late intervention of Blucher’s Prussians. Be that as it may it remains undeniable that the number of losses, in proportion to their numbers, was very high, yet the  impression they made on the battlefield at Waterloo was, and still is,  deep and forever remembered.

[chelsie-carson]

Clownton Abbey as star enlists cast to help dementia patients and their carers laugh again at Christmas

Downton star Phyllis Logan is threatening to take her family on a busman’s holiday on Christmas Day after warning a version of Cluedo inspired by the period drama might feature.

She said: “We’re doing a secret Santa with the family. Perhaps I’ll get them the Downton version of Cluedo. I’m a character in that!

“There’s no murderer in that version – there’s been a theft and you have to work out who the culprit is. It’s very Downton.”

The actress, who plays housekeeper Mrs Hughes in the ITV drama, has been busy enlisting her colleagues for a charity drive in aid of charity Hearts & Minds, the clown doctors raising spirits in hospitals and care homes – virtually during the pandemic – “one smile at a time”, as their slogan puts it.

And Downton Abbey’s cast are preparing to deliver a Christmas message to big-hearted Scots who donate to the appeal, with Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, Imelda Staunton, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael and Lesley Nicol all signed up. All those donating to the Edinburgh-based charity’s appeal will be entered into a raffle to for a chance to receive a message from the Downton stars. Phyllis thanked her castmates for answering her call for help.

“Hearts & Minds came to me and asked would I be happy to give a message to the winner of the draw and I said yes, of course. Then they said, perhaps you may know of somebody else who might get involved?

“There are a bunch of people with whom I’m still very much in touch – the Downton people. And so I just put a little bugle call, and they all came rallying.

“I was delighted, touched and moved by their great support and immediate yes to the whole thing.”

Phyllis singled out Hugh Bonneville, who plays Lord Grantham in Downton, for coming to her aid. Hugh’s been great, he’s been on Twitter and Instagram announcing it and promoting it,” she said. “He’s helped out Hearts & Minds with some things to help them promote it. He’s been marvellous. Hugh’s a very good man, he’s lovely.”

Hearts & Minds cheer up young and old patients and their Christmas appeal is specifically to help fund their Elderflowers, who work to bring laughter to dementia patients and carers. It’s a cause close to Phyllis’s heart after her mum and mother-in-law were affected by dementia.

“My mum hadn’t had a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s, but my mother-in-law did,” she explained. “She had quite severe Alzheimer’s and died in 2009. My mother was a wee bit ill and was showing signs of mental impairment. I’m sure had she lived beyond 90, when she died, she probably would have displayed more pronounced aspects of dementia.

“She was certainly probably heading in that direction and I just thought it’s such a cruel way of losing a parent.

“My husband used to said that his mum was just the husk of the woman she was. She was housing herself in her body but it wasn’t his mum any more. It’s just a desperately and terribly sad way to see your parents diminish.”

Phyllis is currently working on the second series of BBC Scotland’s comedy thriller series Guilt, where she’s getting used to working on a socially-distanced set.

“I’ve just done my costumes. It all feels very safe. We get tested twice a week and we have to have our temperature checked before we go on set. When you’re not filming you have to wear a mask.

“I’m lucky as the crew have to wear masks all day, at least I get the chance to take mine off. It’s all going according to plan so far.”

Over the past few months Phyllis, 64, has been adapting to life during the pandemic, although the second lockdown, she admitted, had been a struggle.

“I remember everybody saying this would be awful if it had been happening in the winter, and here we are, back to square one again,” she said. “I’m just over it by now.”

Asked what she has been filling her time with during lockdown, she said: “I have been watching The Crown but I’m not a huge box-set person. I wish I was. I’ve been doing crosswords and reading books. I haven’t become a champion knitter or seamstress like some people.

“Apart from becoming a bit of a couch potato, not much! The first lockdown was OK in a sense because it was unusual. You just adapted to it and did jigsaws and played board games. And you were cooped up eating nice dinners and drinking cocktails, putting on weight.”

Movie industry insiders believe a sequel to last year’s Downton Abbey movie is imminent, although Phyllis is staying tight-lipped.

“There could possibly be,” she laughed. “With the pandemic we’ve had to think about whether it’s possible. But it’s not been discounted by any stretch of the imagination. So we can only keep our fingers crossed. I’m being very cagey, I’m not sure what one is allowed to say about these things. Let’s just say, ‘watch this space…’”

To support Hearts & Minds Elderflowers Christmas Appeal people should visit the Hearts & Minds Christmas Appeal page: HERE!

[scapegrace74-blog]

Saorsa, Chapter 8

A/N  I’m generally pretty indifferent as far as readers using their own imaginations to populate the scenes I write, but I’m afraid I’m going to have to insist that you picture (and hear) Simon Callow as the Duke of Sandringham.  He transcends universes.

For those just joining the broadcast already in session, here are Chapter 1 , Chapter 2 , Chapter 3  Chapter 4, Chapter 5  Chapter 6, and Chapter 7.   Or you can head over to my AO3 page and binge read the whole thing.  I won’t complain! Thanks as always to my Outlander fanfic publicist, @gotham-ruaidh   And to all of you liking, reblogging and commenting!

“This is really a most excellent bread pudding, my dear,” the Duke of Sandringham intoned, washing down said pudding with another generous mouthful of port.   The gentleman’s florid cheeks and rounded middle-section proved that his enjoyment of good food and drink extended beyond the walls of Lallybroch.

“Thank you, your grace.  Cook is a miracle worker.  She transforms liabilities into benefits, like this pudding made from stale bread.  In lean times such as these, it is a priceless skill.”

Claire was wearing her best burgundy dress, bought in London before the war, and her usual cloud of curls was tamed into a bun from which only a few rebellious strands escaped.  Although entertaining landed nobility was the very last thing she felt like doing, she was composed and polite, playing the role Frank had cast her in as lady of a Scottish Highland estate.  If she could only get through this visit, it would be six long months before the duke returned for his spring tour.  With a little luck, by then she would have some idea of what the hell she should do.

“Captain Randall is well, I trust,” the Duke interrupted her thoughts.  She tried to mask her discomposure and gave the answer she had prepared for this predictable question.  Not quite the truth, but not quite a lie either.

“He was very well when he visited last month whilst on leave.  I’ve since received several of his letters, though of course he could not provide details of his mission.  I believe he was in northern Italy of late.”  She swallowed the salty knot that rose in her throat and stared at her half-eaten dessert.   She hoped the duke would excuse her misty eyes as the reaction of any war bride anxious over the safety of her new husband.

“Of course,” the Duke replied in understanding.  “These are difficult times, Lady Randall, but it is men such as your husband who will see us through them.   I cannot tell you how much I admire him for enlisting, nor you for managing this estate so admirably in his absence.   I know it cannot be easy.  I only wish that others in this region would look to your excellent examples.”

“What do you mean, your grace?”

“That’s right.  I forget you aren’t well-versed in local matters.  Suffice it to say that many Highland Scots, having no love for the English or their political prerogatives, have not rallied eagerly to the war effort.  Enrollment in my Home Guard in the Highlands is half that of the Lowland counties, and there are even rumours of clan chiefs assisting men in evading conscription.”

She found this allegation surprising.  Although her time in Scotland had been brief, she could not help but be aware of the strict code of honour that governed society far more rigidly than the long strings of power that extended northward from London.  With many adult men away at war, the estate was mostly served by the very young and very old, but she did not doubt any of them would lay down their life for their country.  Or rather, for Scotland.  And perhaps there lay the issue.

“Well, I can assure you that you have my utmost co-operation, your grace.  You shan’t find a draft-dodger hiding away at Lallybroch.”

“I never doubted it, my dear.  We share the same sympathies, you and I.  It was why King George the First awarded captured Jacobite lands, such as this estate, to his most loyal English subjects after the last Scottish Catholic Rebellion; the Randalls among them.  The Scots will never rise up against the Crown again, but they have no love for the English.  A strong local bulwark is always a useful tool, is it not so?”

Not waiting for her answer to his rhetorical question, the Duke rose with a groan, brushed crumbs from his tweed sporting coat and extended his hand to clasp her own.

“And now, Lady Randall, I must unfortunately take my leave.  The days are shortening, and I must reach Aberdeen by nightfall to avoid the blackout.   My deepest gratitude, as ever, for your hospitality.  It puts me at great ease to know that Lallybroch rests firmly in your capable hands until your husband’s return.”

He kissed her knuckles, graciously accepted the bank draft for a hundred pounds that Frank had left in his study, and after a few more pleasantries, climbed awkwardly into the back of his Humber Pullman.  She waved goodbye from the courtyard as his car made its way down the long drive.

As Claire mounted the stairs to her bed chamber to change into her usual work clothes, she considered that the Duke of Sandringham must be a well-connected individual indeed, if he could afford petrol and a smartly dressed chauffeur, when everyone else struggled just to eat.

[minervacasterly]

~No Other Way: Mary’s Failed Escape Attempt~

As things between Lady Mary and her half-brother, King Edward VI got progressively worse, her imperial cousin, Charles V took action. He sent imperial ships that were disguised as merchant ships to England. The plan was to take her away from England and use her as a figurehead to intimidate Edward VI and his council. However, like every other escape plans, these failed.

“On the evening of Monday, 30 June 1550, three imperial warships arrived off the coast of Essex. Further out to sea, they were supported by four larger vessels. This little fleet, commanded by the Dutchman Cornelius Scepperus, had encountered a flat calm. The next day one of the ships made its way to Stansgate and a small boat, with two men in it, rowed ashore. They claimed to be grain merchants and took with them a sample of their corn, but when they got ashore they found things unnervingly quiet. There was no one to meet them and they were obliged to return to their ship without having spoken to any local people. They had, however, been observed, and by quizzical eyes. People living around about, especially in the small port of Maldon at the head of the Blackwater estuary, knew of the rumors and wondered about the true motives of these Flemings who had materialized overnight. They were not convinced that the grain vessel was alone or that it had become with innocent intent. Though there was a long history of problems with Scottish pirates plundering the imperial merchant fleet, which might explain the need for an adequately defended ship, something about this vessel seemed wrong. The real purpose, they feared, was altogether more sinister. Nearby at Woodham Walter the Lady Mary had been in residence since early May. Her confrontation with the government was well known and the possibility of her attempting to flee England had been all the talk in this part of Essex for weeks. It was hard to keep anything secret in a large household, where people came and went and not everyone was trustworthy, even if they seemed devoted. Yet few people could have anticipated quite how the enterprise would finally be abandoned. The saga of Mary’s abortive attempt to escape from England to what she hoped would be a secure haven in the Low Countries was well documented at the time. It has elements of almost surreal comedy: disguises, frantic attempts to keep something secret of which the authorities were well aware and the final, complete deflation of Mary’s refusal to seize the chance when offered. At its heart was a troubled woman under severe strain, who entertained the fantasy that creeps into the minds of many people who are stressed almost beyond their mental resources–that running away offers a simple solution to all their difficulties. It is less the act itself which matters, more its contemplation. Perhaps this explains the contradictory nature of Mary’s behaviour in the summer of 1550. A woman who had shown remarkable fortitude over so many years could not, for a time, cope with yet another assault. To call this weakness would be a harsh judgement of Mary, who could not forget the past … Charles V also thought long and hard about whether, in agreeing to Mary’s repeated requests that he should furnish her with a means of escape, he was doing the right thing. As always with the emperor, his doubts about the wisdom of the enterprise were partly inspired by an uneasiness about whether he would actually be doing his cousin a service and partly overshadowed by political considerations. Aside from the hazardous nature of getting her away by ship, once gone she became financially dependent on him and could not serve his purpose by acting as the rallying force of principled opposition in England. He was also preoccupied with his preparations for leaving Brussels, which he did at the end of May, to go and take up residence at Augsburg. Ill and unhappy, beset with costly wars and rebellious subjects, this weary man who was losing his grip on his vast empire must have found Mary’s troubles little more than a minor irritation. His instinct, and his instructions to Van der Delft, pointed towards calming Mary down and persuading her to temporise. Eventually, he reluctantly agreed to help her. The plan for Mary’s flight was put together over a two-month period between May and July 1550 and the princess was very much its moving force. She had convinced herself that not just her religion but her life was in danger. This was the answer she gave to Van der Delft, when he pointed out to her that, if the king died, her absence could deprive her of the crown and would probably ensure the triumph of religious change for good: ‘If my brother were to die, I should be far better out of the kingdom; because as soon as he were dead, before the people knew it, they would despatch me too; there is no doubt of that, because you know that there is nobody about the king’s person or in the government who is not inimical to me.’ The problem with following the emperor’s advice on temporising was that her own, grim experience told her quite the reverse: ‘I fear I may tarry too long,’ she said. ‘When they send me orders forbidding me the mass, I shall expect to suffer as I suffered once during my father’s lifetime; they will order me to withdraw thirty miles from any navigable river or sea-port, and will deprive me of my confidential servants, and, having reduced me to the utmost destitution, they will deal with me as they please. But I will rather suffer death than stain my conscience.’ Her suspicion of the council was profound. They were ‘wicked and wily in their actions and particularly malevolent towards me’ … Mary had given some thought to the details of her escape. Van der Delft acknowledged that the first plan developed was Mary’s idea and he believed it could be made to work. Or perhaps it would be truer to say that he hoped it would work, because it relieved him of involvement, and the thought that he might be compromised alarmed him. Like Mary, he had a regard for his own personal security and that of his family. His desire to be of service to the princess was tinged with growing anxiety, especially as he was ill and arrangements were already in hand for him to leave England himself. The essence of Mary’s scheme was that she should be as close to the sea as possible, to facilitate her escape by water … Royal lady as she was, Mary did not initially contemplate going alone. She wanted with her ‘four of her ladies whom she trusts more than the rest’ (interesting to note that she evidently had reservations about some of them) plus Rochester himself and two unnamed gentlemen, one of whom was ‘very rich but would willingly give up all that he possesses to follow my lady to a place of safety’. Apart from these people, Mary would take nothing with her ‘except her rings and jewels. The plate she uses belongs to the king,’ wrote the ambassador, ‘as, I suppose the tapestries and other furniture do.’ Van der Delft said that no one apart from himself, his secretary and Rochester knew of the princess’s plan. Whether that was true or not, it involved too many people to be practical. Then the possibility of a boat being procured in England evaporated. The month of May came and went with Mary still in Essex and still exhorting the ambassador and his master to help her leave. Matters stalled when the government introduced restrictions on all movements at night, so that ‘no roads or crossroads, no harbours or creeks, nor any passage or outlet’ escaped the vigilance of ‘good folk who had something to lose’. This was a reference to the possibility of further summer uprisings like those of the preceding year, but a secondary motive for the council may have been to restrict Mary and frustrate her possibility of flight. The plan that was finally put into action took shape after Charles V had left Brussels and was approved by him on 25 June. Its driving force may have been his sister, Mary of Hungary, the regent of the Low Countries, who was more inclined to make decisions and take action. She also wanted to ensure that any repercussions were minimised, particularly in the event of failure. This meant waiting until Van der Delft had left, so he could not be implicated, and it also required that his successor, Jehan Scheyfve, a man of whom the regent did not think much, was kept completely in the dark. Thus it fell to Jehan Dubois, secretary to the imperial embassy in London, to take on the burden of managing the revised escape plan. He was more than equal to the task; in fact, he carried out his part of it in exemplary fashion. But it did not succeed. The emperor foresaw difficulties when he gave his sister his guarded approbation. All concerned should be aware of the need for flexibility and not try ‘to reckon the thing too exactly from day to day, as if the sea were a fixed and invariable factor, permitting such undertakings as may be carried out on land’. He thought that there was inevitably some danger and that speed was vital, or the details might leak out. ‘As for disguising our cousin,’ he wrote, ‘I will leave that to those in charge … but no disguise need be used as to whether or not I knew of the undertaking, and it will be better to be quite open about it … for we have the best of reasons and have done all we could to protect our cousin’s person and conscience … and holding back as long as possible from this extreme measure, which it has now become imperative to resort to because of the attitude adopted in England.’ Charles was evidently not given to cloak-and-daggery and he was determined to put the blame on Edward’s councillors. He was more concerned that the pursuit of Scottish pirates, the pretext for his ships being in English waters, could lead to difficulties if the ambassadors expected from Scotland at any time arrived in Brussels before the ships set sail. In the event, none of the difficulties foreseen by Charles V happened. The reason Mary did not leave was straightforward. She had changed her mind. Or, put another way, when faced, at last, with the opportunity to go, she could not bring herself to do it.“

As before, Mary was faced with a difficult choice. She could have left and enjoy moments of bliss. But these would pass in time. She probably remembered the lessons in history. Although she had the fighting spirit of her Trastamara grandparents and Tudor grandfather, she knew that it would be a huge gamble to run away and then attempt to take the throne. Not to mention, the people who still believed in her. Many of them would still support her, but returning back wouldn’t be easy. Everything her enemies had accused her of, would start to ring true, and she could end up the same way as La Beltraneja, de la Pole and other pretenders who fled to foreign countries for protection and when they tried to come back to claim what they viewed was rightfully theirs, they failed. And then there was also the more personal aspect of this: her mother had refused the easy way out, clinging on to her title of queen and asking Mary to obey her father but also to persevere. This was one of her most harrowing trials where the end lesson was: she was on her own and could trust no one but herself and rely on her unwavering faith to see her the coming struggles.

Source quoted: The Myth of Bloody Mary by Linda Porter. For more information on this failed escape, I also recommend H.F.M. Prescott’s biography on Mary, The Spanish Tudor. She doesn’t have a favorable opinion on Mary but the biography is repleted with plenty of details and and this is one subject that she expands upon.

[johnalexcooper]

Elevate Your Rally Skills: The Importance of Choosing the Right Test Venue

Rally driving is one of the most thrilling motorsports, demanding a combination of skill, precision, and adaptability. Whether you are an amateur rally enthusiast or a professional driver preparing for your next big event, choosing the right rally test venue in Scotland is crucial. With its diverse terrain, challenging weather conditions, and world-renowned rally heritage, Scotland offers some of the best rally testing grounds in the UK.

Why a Rally Test Venue Matters

A well-equipped rally test venue is essential for improving driving techniques, vehicle setup, and overall race preparedness. Rallying requires more than just speed; it demands control, responsiveness, and the ability to handle unpredictable road conditions. By selecting a professional rally test venue in Scotland, drivers can simulate real rally conditions, gain valuable experience, and fine-tune their performance before hitting the competitive circuits.

Key Features of an Ideal Rally Test Venue

When selecting a rally test venue in Scotland, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the most out of your practice sessions:

Varied Terrain – A good rally test venue should offer multiple surface types, including gravel, tarmac, and forest tracks, mimicking real-world rally conditions.

Challenging Routes – The venue should have a mix of tight corners, fast straights, and technical sections to test your car’s handling and your driving capabilities.

Realistic Weather Conditions – Scotland’s unpredictable weather provides an excellent opportunity to practice in rain, mud, and even snow, preparing drivers for a variety of rally scenarios.

Safety and Facilities – A top-quality rally test venue should have well-maintained tracks, proper safety measures, and access to essential services such as mechanics, fuel stations, and emergency support.

The Benefits of Testing in Scotland

Scotland has long been a favourite destination for rally drivers, thanks to its rich motorsport history and diverse landscapes. Here are some reasons why a rally test venue in Scotland stands out:

Authentic Rally Conditions – The rugged terrain, winding roads, and natural obstacles create an ideal environment to push your limits and refine your driving skills.

Heritage and Experience – Scotland has hosted many iconic rally events, making it a prime location for those looking to follow in the footsteps of legendary drivers.

Year-Round Availability – Unlike some regions that have seasonal restrictions, Scotland offers rally testing opportunities throughout the year, ensuring that drivers can practice whenever needed.

How to Maximize Your Rally Testing Experience

To make the most of your time at a rally test venue in Scotland, consider the following tips:

Set Clear Objectives – Define what you want to achieve during your session, whether it’s improving your cornering technique, testing new tyres, or practising under specific weather conditions.

Bring the Right Equipment – Ensure your car is properly serviced, and bring spare parts, tyres, and tools to handle any unexpected mechanical issues.

Work with a Co-Driver – A skilled co-driver can help refine your pace notes and enhance your navigation skills, crucial for competitive rallying.

Record and Analyze Your Performance – Use onboard cameras and data logging systems to review your runs and identify areas for improvement.

Preparing for Competitive Rallying

Training at a rally test venue in Scotland is not just about practice; it’s about preparing for actual competition. The experience gained from testing in realistic conditions can give you a significant advantage when it comes to official rally events. Whether you are aiming to enter local rally championships or international competitions, a well-structured test program can help you sharpen your skills and boost your confidence.

Conclusion

Selecting the right rally test venue in Scotland is a vital step in enhancing your rally driving abilities. With its challenging terrains, unpredictable weather, and deep-rooted motorsport culture, Scotland provides an unparalleled testing ground for rally enthusiasts and professionals alike. By focusing on key aspects such as terrain variety, track difficulty, and proper preparation, you can make the most of your testing sessions and elevate your performance to new heights.

If you're serious about improving your rally skills, investing time in a high-quality test venue will be a game-changer. Whether you're fine-tuning your car’s setup or perfecting your driving technique, Scotland offers the perfect backdrop to push your limits and achieve your rallying goals.

[neiljohnsblog]

The Top 5 Reasons to Book a Rally Driving Experience Today

If you’re seeking an exhilarating adventure that combines speed, precision and the rugged beauty of the Scottish landscape, a rally driving experience in Scotland is a perfect choice. This unique activity provides an unforgettable way to explore your limits and immerse yourself in the thrill of motorsport. Whether you're a seasoned driver or a complete novice, rally driving offers something for everyone. Below, we delve into the top five reasons why you should book a rally driving experience today.

1. Experience the Thrill of High-Speed Driving

Rally driving is not your everyday driving experience—it’s a test of skill, control, and courage. Scotland’s varied terrain provides the perfect backdrop for high-speed driving over challenging surfaces like gravel, dirt, and even mud.

A rally driving experience in Scotland allows you to feel the rush of adrenaline as you tackle tight corners, long straights, and unpredictable turns. It’s an opportunity to go beyond the confines of regular road rules and truly let loose in a safe and controlled environment.

2. Learn Professional Driving Techniques

One of the standout features of a rally driving experience is the opportunity to learn professional driving techniques from seasoned instructors. From mastering the Scandinavian flick to navigating hairpin bends, rally driving hones your ability to handle a vehicle in extreme conditions.

These skills are not only thrilling to learn but can also improve your everyday driving. Understanding vehicle dynamics and how to respond to sudden changes in terrain or conditions can enhance your confidence and safety on the road.

3. Scotland’s Stunning Rally Routes

Scotland is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, and a rally driving experience here is the perfect way to enjoy them from a unique perspective. The country boasts an array of rally routes, from winding forest trails to open, rugged moorland.

Driving through these scenic locations adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience. Imagine powering through a dense pine forest with shafts of sunlight breaking through the canopy or skimming along a hillside with panoramic views of lochs and mountains—it’s an adventure that blends nature with speed in the most exhilarating way.

4. A Perfect Gift for Adventure Seekers

If you’re searching for a unique gift for the thrill-seeker in your life, a rally driving experience in Scotland is sure to impress. It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity that leaves participants with memories they’ll treasure forever.

This experience is suitable for a wide range of skill levels, making it accessible to anyone with a passion for adventure. Many venues even offer packages tailored to specific preferences, such as beginner-friendly sessions or advanced challenges for experienced drivers.

5. Unleash Your Inner Racer

For those who’ve always dreamed of stepping into the shoes of a rally driver, this experience is the ultimate fantasy come to life. You’ll get behind the wheel of a specially modified rally car designed to perform under extreme conditions.

The adrenaline rush of navigating rough terrain, accelerating through straightaways, and feeling the car respond to your every command is an unparalleled thrill. It’s not just about speed—it’s about control, precision, and the sheer joy of driving in its purest form.

Bonus: Memories to Last a Lifetime

Beyond the technical skills and adrenaline rush, a rally driving experience in Scotland is about creating unforgettable memories. Whether you go solo, with friends, or as part of a group event, this is an adventure you’ll reminisce about for years to come.

Many rally venues offer photography or video packages, so you can relive the excitement and share your experience with others. From the roar of the engine to the spray of gravel, as you take on a sharp turn, every moment is a story worth telling.

How to Get Started

Booking a rally driving experience in Scotland is easy. With numerous locations across the country offering tailored packages, you can find an experience that suits your preferences and schedule. Be sure to check age and licensing requirements and dress appropriately for the adventure—sturdy shoes and comfortable clothing are essential.

Final Thoughts

A rally driving experience in Scotland is much more than a high-speed adventure—it’s a journey into the heart of motorsport, set against the stunning backdrop of one of the world’s most beautiful countries. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-fueled escape, a unique learning opportunity, or a gift that will wow a loved one, rally driving delivers on all fronts.

So why wait? Book your rally driving experience in Scotland today and prepare for an unforgettable ride.

[scotianostra]

12th January 1777 saw the death of Brigadier-General Hugh Mercer, the Scottish-born American revolutionary general.

Hugh Mercer was born in 1726 to Ann Monro and William Mercer, a Presbyterian Minister,  near Rosehearty Aberdeenshire. He earned his doctorate in medicine at the University of Aberdeen and, later, served as a surgeon in the army of Charles Edward Stuart, a during the Jacobite uprising of 1745, Mercer became a fugitive in his own country. He managed to flee Scotland for the American colonies, where he settled in Pennsylvania and established a medical practice.

In  1756, Mercer, like many Jacobites, was serving the same army that had been his enemy only a decade earlier. During the Seven Years’ War, he received a commission as captain of a Pennsylvania regiment that accompanied Lt. Col. John Armstrong’s raid on the Indian village of Kittanning. Mercer was wounded during the raid but managed to escape through the woods, wandering injured, alone, and hungry for days until he reached Fort Shirley. He was subsequently promoted to the rank of colonel and, as a result, became close friends with fellow colonel George Washington.

In the early days of the Revolution, Mercer took command of a small force of Virginia Minute Men from Spotsylvania, King George, Stafford, and Caroline Counties. Eventually, he rose to the rank of brigadier general in the Continental Army, and in the winter of 1776 accompanying his old acquaintance, George Washington, in the New York City Campaign, and subsequent retreat to New Jersey.

Following the Patriot victory at Trenton, New Jersey, Mercer led a vanguard of 350 soldiers toward Princeton, New Jersey with orders from Washington to destroy the Stony Brook Bridge. On January 3, 1777, Mercer met a larger British force at Clarke’s Orchard. The struggle between these two forces quickly turned into a race to secure the strategic position on the heights of a nearby hill. During the struggle, musket and rifle fire turned to hand-to-hand combat with bayonets. Unfortunately, an overwhelming majority of Mercer’s men had no bayonets on their muskets. As his men began to fall back, Mercer stepped forward and desperately rallied his men with the words “Forward! Forward!” His command was met by the forceful thrust of British bayonets to his chest, and he fell to the ground.

Finding Mercer still alive, Continental soldiers removed him to a nearby oak tree, which would later bear his name, and finally to the field hospital in the Thomas Clarke House, where he died of his wounds on January 12th, 1777. The Patriots ultimately succeeded in driving the British from Princeton, and the legacy of General Mercer’s courageous efforts became a rallying cry for American troops.

The pics are of of Mercer, and depictions of his demise the statue is of the General in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

[newstfionline]

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Pandemic aftershocks overwhelm global supply lines (Washington Post) One year after the coronavirus pandemic first disrupted global supply chains by closing Chinese factories, fresh shipping headaches are delaying U.S. farm exports, crimping domestic manufacturing and threatening higher prices for American consumers. The cost of shipping a container of goods has risen by 80 percent since early November and has nearly tripled over the past year, according to the Freightos Baltic Index. The increase reflects dramatic shifts in consumption during the pandemic, as consumers redirect money they once spent at restaurants or movie theaters to the purchase of record amounts of imported clothing, computers, furniture and other goods. That abrupt and unprecedented spending shift has upended long-standing trade patterns. “It’s crazy. Prices are at record highs. Multiple things are happening all at once,” said Phil Levy, an economist with Flexport, a San Francisco-based freight forwarder. “People work off of expectations. But now there’s just so much uncertainty.” At the Port of Los Angeles one day last week, 42 ships were anchored offshore, waiting to unload their cargoes, even as every warehouse within 60 miles was already full. A shortage of dock workers amid California’s worsening coronavirus outbreak is further complicating operations; inbound cargo volumes in December were more than 23 percent higher than one year earlier. “Some areas of the supply chain need to be sharpened,” Gene Seroka, the port’s executive director, said. “People are a little bit on edge.” It’s a global problem, and it may get worse before it gets better.

Destructive protests by anarchists and extremists signal divided left as Biden administration begins (Washington Post) The hundreds of far-left and anarchist demonstrators who gathered in protest mere hours after President Biden swore the oath of office Wednesday signal a fracturing on the left that could become a scourge for the new administration, political leaders and experts say. Some activists are carrying their destructive tactics into a new administration to voice rejection of centrist ideologies they believe will do little to address existential worries over climate change, economic inequality, foreign wars and racism. The vandalizing of the Oregon Democratic Party headquarters by extreme-left demonstrators on Inauguration Day has split Portland liberals, and federal agents’ launching of tear gas at crowds that descended on the city’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters produced scenes reminiscent of similar summer standoffs ordered by President Donald Trump. In Seattle, a march organized by anarchists and the city’s Youth Liberation Front branch roved through neighborhoods, chanting expletives at both Trump and Biden, some breaking windows. James Ofsink, president of Portland Forward, a local advocacy group for liberal causes, said the growing tension in Portland’s progressive circles is emblematic of a larger tug of war happening in the nation. “Portland is going to continue to be a microcosm of the political divides, especially among the left, that we’re seeing across the country,” Ofsink said. “The idea that middle-of-the-road Democrats can say with a straight face that we need to take things slowly or do things in a very deliberate way rubs a lot of people the very wrong way.”

Trump’s coming impeachment trial aggravates rift among Republicans (Reuters) The coming second impeachment trial of former U.S. President Donald Trump on a charge of inciting the deadly storming of the Capitol has aggravated a rift among his fellow Republicans that was on full display on Sunday. At least one Republican, Senator Mitt Romney, said he believed the trial, which could lead to a vote banning Trump from future office, was a necessary response to the former president’s inflammatory call to his supporters to “fight” his election defeat before the Jan. 6 attack. Ten Republicans joined the House of Representatives in voting to impeach Trump on a charge of inciting insurrection. But a significant number of Republican lawmakers, concerned about Trump’s devoted base of voters, have raised objections to the impeachment. Trump is the first U.S. president to be impeached after leaving office. Senator Tom Cotton, another Republican, said the Senate was acting beyond its constitutional authority by holding a trial. “I think a lot of Americans are going to think it’s strange that the Senate is spending its time trying to convict and remove from office a man who left office a week ago,” Cotton told Fox News on Sunday. “I think the trial is stupid,” Republican Senator Marco Rubio told Fox News on Sunday, saying he would vote to end it at the first opportunity. “I think it’s counterproductive. We already have a flaming fire in this country and it’s like taking a bunch of gasoline and pouring it on top of the fire.”

Ununited Kingdom (Times of London) The UK is facing a constitutional crisis that will strain the Union as new polls reveal a majority of voters in Scotland and Northern Ireland want referendums on the break-up of Britain. A four-country survey we commissioned, based on separate polls in Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales, also found that the sense of British identity that once bound the country together is disintegrating. And in another significant move, the Scottish National Party (SNP) announced that it is prepared to call a wildcat referendum of its own if Boris Johnson refuses to grant one himself—a move that puts the two governments on a constitutional collision course.

Riots explode across Netherlands over covid restrictions (Washington Post) Dutch rioters who attacked police and destroyed property over the weekend while protesting new coronavirus measures are “criminals,” Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Monday, as law enforcement officials warned that the violence could last for weeks. The unrest across the Netherlands, some of the worst in decades, had “nothing to do with protest,” Rutte, who resigned last week following a scandal, told reporters outside his office in The Hague, news agencies reported. Protesters had gathered in defiance of lockdown orders in at least 10 towns and cities Sunday, looting stores and clashing with police after authorities imposed a new nighttime curfew — the first in the Netherlands since World War II. The violence continued Monday night in several cities, including Amsterdam and The Hague. The curfew, from 9 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., tightens an already-strict lockdown aimed at curbing coronavirus infections and comes amid fears that a new, more contagious variant, first identified in Britain, will cause a surge in cases.

In France, growing alarm over students’ well-being as pandemic pushes some to the brink (Washington Post) he hardships of university students during the pandemic have now reached the attention of the highest levels of the French government, with President Emmanuel Macron promising to provide more assistance. “You haven’t been forgotten,” he said this month. But students protesting de facto campus closures, seeking psychological support and lining up for free food handed out by private donors have come to a different conclusion. In a country that prides itself on having one of the world’s most generous public welfare systems, student food banks have become the most visible display of the economic impact of the pandemic on young people. After 10 months of varying degrees of isolation and restrictions, a less visible but increasingly worrisome mental health crisis is taking form among students, too. Some have been confined for months under lockdown or curfew in 97-square-foot dorm rooms off campus. New measures by Macron last week indicated growing alarm among French officials that financial distress and mental health are increasingly intertwined and are fueling one another. Students have written open letters asking French ministers for more support. Mental health hospitals have expanded their offerings to cope with a surge in demand among high school and university students. Some professors have themselves requested psychological support after finding their students in distress.

Navalny Protests Sweep Russia (Reuters) Russian authorities have attempted to deflect attention from Saturday’s nationwide street protests—the largest in years—by accusing the United States of interfering in the country. On Saturday, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused the U.S. embassy in Moscow of fanning the flames of dissent by publishing protest times and routes (as part of a notice to avoid such gatherings) on the embassy website. “What was that: a setup or an instruction?” Zakharova told the Russian news agency TASS, adding that if the Russian embassy in Washington had done the same during U.S. protests “global hysteria” would ensue. The government’s rhetorical counters came after thousands of Russians across roughly 100 towns and cities protested amid freezing winter temperatures on Saturday, heeding a call from detained anti-Putin activist Alexei Navalny to take to the streets to demand his release. Over 3,500 people were arrested during the protests, according to the monitoring group OVD Info—the most arrests the NGO had ever recorded in one day.

Angry farmers drive thousands of tractors into New Delhi (AP) Tens of thousands of protesting farmers drove long lines of tractors into India’s capital on Tuesday, breaking through police barricades, defying tear gas and storming the historic Red Fort as the nation celebrated Republic Day. They waved farm union flags from the ramparts of the fort, where prime ministers annually hoist the national flag to mark the country’s independence. Thousands more farmers marched on foot or rode on horseback while shouting slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At some places, they were showered with flower petals by residents who recorded the unprecedented rally on their phones. Leaders of the farmers said more than 10,000 tractors joined the protest. For nearly two months, farmers have camped at the edge of the capital, blockading highways connecting it with the country’s north in a rebellion that has rattled the government. They are demanding the withdrawal of new laws which they say will commercialize agriculture and devastate farmers’ earnings.

Syrian refugees in Lebanon are under pressure as never before (Washington Post) Millions of Syrians have sought safety in Lebanon and across the region since the Syrian uprising began nearly a decade ago. Now they are stuck between untenable options: ongoing instability and violence back in Syria as President Bashar al-Assad consolidates control, and deteriorating conditions in cash-strapped Lebanon, where politicians are pressing refugees to leave. Syrians have long struggled in Lebanon, where about a million refugees make up some 20 percent of the population. But 2020 brought a new cascade of problems. The country’s financial system collapsed, and the prime minister resigned, ousted by protesters fed up with endemic corruption. Then the coronavirus hit, followed by the devastating Beirut port explosion, of which many Syrians were among the victims. In less than a year, the currency depreciated by more than 80 percent. Communities across Lebanon are hurting, especially Syrians, amid mounting competition for resources, said Elena Dikomitis, advocacy adviser for the Norwegian Refugee Council in Lebanon. “The landscape of needs in Lebanon has changed dramatically over the last year,” she said. “There are a lot of increasing tensions as one can expect over access to jobs, to aid, to basic services.” In October, the U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR, estimated that nearly 90 percent of Syrians in Lebanon lived below the extreme poverty line, up from 55 percent the year before. Already legally excluded from many jobs, 90 percent of Syrians reported losing their income or having salaries reduced, the agency found in July. [Many Lebanese want the refugees to go home. Syria, however, remains a very dangerous homeland.]

Pirates in the Gulf of Guinea (Reuters) Pirates are stepping up attacks on ships in West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea, defying regional navies. On Saturday, pirates off Nigeria kidnapped 15 sailors from a Turkish container ship and killed one. Pirates in the Gulf of Guinea kidnapped 130 seafarers in 22 separate incidents last year, accounting for all but five of those seized at sea worldwide. The pirates come from Nigeria’s turbulent Niger Delta, experts say. The region produces the bulk of the nation’s petroleum, but is woefully underdeveloped, scarred by pollution and has some of the highest unemployment in the country. Bands of men desperate for money engage in a variety of illegal but lucrative activities, including kidnapping, stealing and refining oil, and piracy. Last year’s oil price crash and Nigeria’s second recession in five years worsened unemployment and economic hardship. Saturday’s attack, which took place 200 nautical miles offshore, reflected increasing sophistication, as vessels further from shore are less likely to have naval protection.

Satellites (Space.com) SpaceX launched a record 143 small satellites into orbit on Sunday, the most ever on a single rocket. The launch was the first mission where SpaceX ferried lots of satellites up rideshare-style along with 10 of its own Starlink internet satellites. In 2019, the company announced that at various points in the year smaller satellites could hitch a ride at launch for $1 million a pop. Among the payload was a South Korean military communications satellite, two Taiwanese satellites which will improve navigation, a payload called Celestis 17 containing cremated human remains, three Hawk 2 radio satellites and a cargo capsule for the space station. The team successfully recovered the Falcon 9’s first stage in the Atlantic, which was the 73rd recovery of a booster for the company.

[madebyleftovermuses]

Chapter Twenty-Two: Drag Me to Hell

Poor Nicky all chained up

But sweet that Sabrina visits him

Not Nick, but Lucifer

Sabrina not believing Lucifer gave up control

Poor Nick

Sabrina ruined the salt circle

Hilda taking care of Zelda at the Academy making sure she eats

Zelda is nervous about her first day

Hilda was going to go to Cerberus

Zelda ignored that idea

Sabrina already in the library at the Academy

Looking up soul transferring

Really important obligation is cheerleading

Honestly their singing is better than Riverdale’s

Lilith not happy about watching the cheerleaders

Sabrina being a normal teen with cheerleading

Lilith hates cheerleaders

Dragging souls to hell

Lilith trying to get it through Sabrina’s skull that Caliban simply cannot get the throne

Lilith calling it our throne

“our throne” yes, Sabrina, our throne

You got muscle

We’re in Scotland

Luci not happy they are praying to Lilith

Imhotep?

Sabrina collecting an old man 😢

He’s unbothered by the fact a cheerleader is there to collect his soul

Sabrina asking what he sold his soul for

Aw, he sold his soul to be a chess master

Sabrina doesn’t want him to go to hell

Sabrina sending him to heaven ❤❤❤❤

Lilith is like “seriously?!”

Caliban letting Sabrina explain why she let the soul go

Her court really hates her

Who is Jimmy Platt?

Zelda is losing it

Band practice….im glad Riverdale hasn’t made Archie create a band

Sabrina just loves interrupting band practice

Sabrina has to collect souls and they don’t tell her what they got for selling their souls

Using Jimmy to free Nick of the Devil

“I'm driving.” “Wait, why do you always get to drive?” “I'm the only one of us who has a license, Theo.” ❤

Yes, let’s not forget about the pep rally

Melvin in the basement with Elspeth

Melvin doesn’t want Dorcas to know

There is a bug in her hair though

Zelda calling Faustus a little bitch

“We're in high school. We should be worried about midterms, not not dragging the friendly neighborhood ice cream man to Hell” yeah well regular high school sucks

Jimmy trades an innocent soul

Jimmy sacrifices children! DRAG HIM TO HELL SABRINA!

No shit Harvey! We need to find this little girl

The Devil got to Jimmy first when he was dying

How exactly does Lucifer know about Caliban?

Has Caliban always been gunning for the throne?

Found Faustus

He looks a little crazy

Who the fuck is the Deep One

The creature from the Black Lagoon or the Loch Ness

He got an egg

Who is he sacrificing for the egg

Let Prudence kill her father!

The children do not speak

Ambrose threatening the egg

“You have no idea of the annihilation that's capable of.” Ambrose is like wtf

The old ones are coming and then the eldritch terrors

Thank you, Prudence, for knocking him out

Asking Roz to use her cunning

Roz telling the cheerleaders they have to go to the eye doctor

What are two cheerleaders going to do what the police can’t?

Lucy collects Pinwheels because that’s not an odd thing to collect

Never order a chocolate pop

Lucy’s mom is like “oh…um…ok”

Theo running late

New kid…Robin

Robin asking for help

Theo is like “screw it, I’m already late”

Aw, Theo likes the new kid

Of course, he’s going! Two of his best friends are cheering!

Prudence wants to execute Blackwood and Ambrose is having second thoughts on that

What the fuck you mean your father?!

Shit its Judas and Leticia….my bad Judith

Agatha creepily laughing and talking like she sucked helium

DAMN! ZELDA SLAPPED AGATHA

Hilda using Zelda’s full name

Roz thinking it’s a bad idea to teleport to Lucy

“dumb pudding” ❤

Well all wanna slap the weird sisters

Is he though? Is he still in hell?

Ew, Agatha found a bug in her hair

There is one in Zelda’s hair as well

Lilith for the rescues

Sabrina will take pleasure in dragging Jimmy to hell

Theo asking the Jimmy said anything weird

Do the Ravenettes have a coach or do they have a HBIC

Sabrina giving Hell a makeover

Sabrina is in trouble

Sabrina blaming herself for Nick’s suffering

Found one!

Hilda more concerned about the tied-up children

Zelda going to enjoy causing Blackwood pain

Lucifer wants to wrestle

Blackwood doesn’t worship Lucifer anymore

Nick is back!

Hey look a carnival!

[cincinnatusvirtue]

Battle of Cowpens, the only use of double envelopment in the American Revolution.

The southern theater of the American Revolution doesn’t get nearly the amount of attention as the more northerly theater namely in New York, New Jersey and New England.  However, the war would be crucially decided in the last years of the war in the southern theater, namely in the Carolinas and later in Virginia with the Yorktown Campaign.

The southern theater was considered by the British more likely to be amiable to the Loyalist cause particularly in parts of the Carolinas, the Loyalist and Patriot populations were fairly split in terms of popularity, namely in South Carolina.  The shift to a southern strategy by the British was in part due to their defeat in the Saratoga Campaign in upstate New York during autumn of 1777 which only further rallied numbers to the Patriot cause and left the British unsure of how to end the war decisively in their favor.

Throughout the first half of the war, there was revolutionary activity in the south with Patriot militias and the Continental Army working to suppress their Loyalist counterparts, property confiscation took place and this lead to further resentment between both sides.  The British implemented the southern strategy with a drive into the major port town of Savannah, Georgia which they captured in 1778.  Loyalists were to serve an important role in this theater, eager to support the royal cause, regain their lands confiscated by the Patriots and to gain new lands at the expense of their Patriot neighbors once their lands were taken for treason after British victory was assured.

Over the next couple years the focus shifted to the Carolinas with Charleston, South Carolina being a major source of focus for the British and Americans.  Lord Charles Cornwallis was placed in charge of the southern theater and in 1780 at the Battle of Camden he defeated an American army rather handily which caused a setback for the Patriot cause, though the Continental Army and militia remained intact, much of South Carolina was “pacified”.  The plan by Cornwallis was now to invade North Carolina and suppress the rebellion there.  Going into autumn 1780, things looked dire for the Patriot cause.  Meanwhile, Horatio Gates who lost the Battle of Camden was replaced at George Washington’s behest by Nathanael Greene.

Cornwallis hoped to rally Loyalist support to his cause as part of the North Carolina Campaign.  On October 7, 1780 the Loyalist militias would clash with Patriot militias in the Battle of Kings Mountain.  The Patriot militias were largely made of the Scots-Irish or Ulster-Scots community that made up large portions of the Western Carolinas populace.  This community derived its name and identity when in the 16th century it was sent as Scottish and English Protestant settlers to the North of Ireland to suppress the mostly Catholic native Irish population, forming the core of the Plantation of Ulster as they called it.  Over the ensuing two centuries this mix of Scots, English and Irish Protestants with smaller numbers of Flemish, French and German Protestant refugees fused into a distinct community which became known to this day as Ulster-Scots in Britain and Ireland due to the predominance of Scottish settlers in the community.  Though in time they often identified as just Irish as many grew up exclusively in Ireland maintaining a Protestant dominance which survives to this day in Northern Ireland as part of the United Kingdom.  In the late 17th century many of these Ulster Scots who were Presbyterian in their religion were loyal to William III Protestant King of England, Scotland and Ireland and served in his army during the Williamite War of 1688-1691. 

Things changed in the early 18th century however with the passing of laws that made the established church in Britain and Ireland, the Anglican Church of England and Ireland as the sole state sponsored religion, this caused a separation among the Protestant classes, as laws against Presbyterians and Catholics somewhat united them in common cause.  In time, a number of droughts which affected farming in Ireland, along with religious and political persecution lead to Ulster-Scots, now identifying as Irish emigrating to America.  They settled largely in the Appalachia region from Pennsylvania on down to the Carolinas and Georgia where they could practice their religion and farm as they saw fit.  They also served as pioneers and Indian fighters against Native American tribes since they were known for their fighting prowess.  By the time of the American Revolution, the community almost overwhelmingly supported the Patriot cause, due to their ability to cement their distinct culture in America.  It wasn’t until later with the mass arrival in waves of Catholic Irish, that Scots-Irish became a more widely used term to distinguish them from other Irish emigration.  The Scots-Irish were so numerous in the the Patriot numbers particularly in the South that it was commented by a British general to the House of Commons “Half the Continental Army is from Ireland.”  While a Hessian officer was recorded as saying “Call this war by whatever name you may, only call it not an American rebellion; it is nothing more or less than a Scotch-Irish Presbyterian rebellion."

Kings Mountain was a solid Patriot victory that largely dismantled the Loyalist militia in the Carolinas and solidified the image of the Scots-Irish “Overmountain Men”, a frontiersmen armed with guns and in search of land and freedom and willing to fight anyone for it, epitomizing the early ideal of the rugged individual in America fighting for their place in the world.  Symbolism aside, the practical effect was a boost of morale to the American cause, a weakening of the British Loyalist forces and the realization that the war in the South wouldn’t be so easily won.

By January 1781, the British who had delayed their invasion of North Carolina in the wake of King’s Mountain sought to renew the offensive.  Called to assist in this matter was one of Cornwallis’s subordinates, Lt. Col Banastre Tarleton, an English soldier born in Liverpool to a family who made their fortune in trade, particularly the slave trade in the West Indies.  Tarleton came into military service as a way to give him focus after a life of gambling and womanizing that had drained his fortune.  He first purchased a commission in the army as was common practice among the British aristocracy and wealthy at the time despite being officially banned.  He however did prove to be an effective horseman and soldier, gradually rising through the ranks on his own merit there after.  He partook in many battles in the northern theater of the American Revolution, but it was in the south where his image in the Americas would be solidified.  He came to lead the so called British Legion, a provincial regiment of dragoons (mounted infantry) that wore distinct Green Jackets which along with their commander gave them the nicknames, the Green Dragoons or Tarleton’s Raiders.  In May of 1780 at the Battle of Waxhaws, the British Legion under Tarleton and supported by other Loyalist militia massacred many surrendering Patriot forces.  The exact chain of events that lead to the massacre and Tarleton’s personal role in it is a matter of debate and controversy, but it forever after earned him the reputation in America of a bloodthirsty killer who “violated” the rules of war by offering no quarter to surrendering enemy soldiers.  He was nicknamed by the Patriot press as Bloody Ban or the Butcher.  These events incensed the Patriot militia whose anger would play out months later at Kings Mountain when Loyalist militia and dead British officers were stripped of their clothes by angry Patriot militias who are said to have urinated on their corpses before burying them.

In opposition to Tarleton on the American side was Brigadier General Daniel Morgan.  Morgan was born in New Jersey and lived in Pennsylvania and Virginia.  He was the grandson of Welsh emigrants on both sides of his family to Pennsylvania where a large Welsh community in the Colonial era had established roots.  Morgan during the French and Indian War had worked as a teamster of draft animals for the British Army, during a dispute he attacked a British officer and received 500 lashes of the whip as punishment which often killed the recipient, he survived with a lingering resentment of the British for their treatment of the provincials in America.  When the Revolution broke out Morgan offered his services to the Patriot cause.  Over the years he had served as a rifleman and earned a reputation for marksmanship.  His use of the rifle during the American Revolution would help change the rules of small arms fire in warfare.  The norm in 18th century combat using European rules of warfare was for infantry to fire smooth bore muskets which fired at relatively close range and had to be fired at in massed volleys to be especially effective.  Various developments overtime lead to establishment of the rifle, like the musket it was a long gun, with a longer barrel in fact, but unlike the smooth barrel of a musket the rifle had “rifled” grooves etched into its interior which when a bullet was expended would spiral giving it better accuracy and longer range than a musket.  While rifle units existed prior to the American Revolution and were used by both sides of the war, Morgan’s Riflemen as they became to be known were especially influential in demonstrating the effectiveness of a rifle over a musket.  Morgan was given command of an elite unit of expert riflemen who could hit a 7 inch circular object at 250 feet.  Morgan’s Riflemen partook in a number of battles namely Quebec and Saratoga where the riflemen in Morgan’s unit engaged in early examples of sniper tactics, shooting British officers mounted on horses while hidden from view, the killing of these officers without being seen sowed discord, uncertainty and confusion in the British ranks, giving an element of psychological warfare to the British.

Morgan was called to the southern theater in 1780, arriving in the Carolinas in December.  Banastre Tarleton and British Legion, supported by British regulars and other Loyalists sought to push westward in South Carolina to open the door to North Carolina as ordered by Cornwallis.  Morgan’s forces which no longer included his Riflemen unit which disbanded over a year prior was made of a mix of Continental “regulars” and various militias from across the south.  On January 17, 1781 Tarleton and Morgan’s forces would meet in battle near the Broad River close to the North/South Carolina border in a place called Cowpens due to a number the cow pen pastures close by in the low lying countryside.  The British had almost 1,200 troops and two grasshopper cannons while the Americans had roughly 2,000 troops made of mostly militia from the Carolinas and Virginia with elements from Georgia, Maryland and Delaware mostly infantry with some cavalry dragoons of their own but no artillery support.  Morgan would prove to be a formidable tactician and he knew his troops made of militia which had poor reputation of running at the first sign of trouble would be unreliable in the upcoming fight if things didn’t go their way.  He also knew the British expected this and would be able to rout the American forces quite easily if pressed.  Morgan decided on a strategy that would confound expectations.  First he placed his force between the Broad and Pacolet rivers.  With their backs to the rivers, retreat for his troops wouldn’t be a viable option, the rivers would slow his retreat down and provide the British an opportunity to cut them down as they retreated.  Secondly, he placed his more reliable Continental regulars on a low lying hill in the center with no flanking support other than the terrain due to a ravine and creek which would force the British to charge straight ahead into their lines.  Next, he organized his overall force into three lines.  A first line made up of Carolinian sharpshooters, a second of various miltia and the third his Continental regulars forming a solid final core against the British charge.  The idea was to fire volleys at the oncoming British who could only charge ahead due to the creek and ravine breaking any flanking potential and knowing they would break the militia, they would lull the British to only charge further and further into a trap.  The Americans would feign a retreat after a few volleys and reform behind the next line of troops, this would cause British casualties to mount and sap their physical strength as the British would tire out pursuing the Americans uphill. It also psychologically tired them out when they realized another line of American troops awaited them with repeating results.  It would drain the enemy giving them a false sense of early victory by chasing the “trapped” Americans to the river and essentially lead them into a death trap of their own.

As is often the case, victory sometimes comes not only from one commander’s decisions but that of the enemy.  Tarleton had marched his troops relentlessly for 48 hours to meet Morgan’s men.  They ran out of food by the day of battle and had less than 4 hours of solid sleep in those preceding two days, meaning they went into battle eager but already tired.  This would contribute to the disaster that followed along with Tarleton’s overconfidence and impatience.  Tarleton fell right into Morgan’s hands as planned.  The British emerged from the woods shortly after sunrise and engaged the American first line of sharpshooters who fired their volleys and gave way to the British advance.  Tarleton ordered a full infantry charge which ran into the second line of militia.  As Morgan had ordered they fired two volleys instead of one.  This surprised the British and as was typical of Morgan he had his troops aim for officers to weaken the British morale and cause confusion to their troops without anyone giving orders.  The British encountered Morgan’s third line from Delaware, Virginia and Maryland.  Meanwhile some American troops, dragoons and other reformed lines of militia men on the rear near the river banks actually did a flanking maneuver behind British lines which were overdrawn and soon to be cutoff.  As the British tried a small flank of their own against the main body of Continentals, they appeared to force a retreat of the Virginians but the Americans did an about face and fired a volley into the surprised British and Morgan had a mass bayonet charge against the now physically exhausted and weakened British lines.  The British routed, some surrendering on the spot while others were killed in the retreat.  The American miltia who made it to the river then rejoined the fight by employing flanking maneuvers on both the British left and right near the original British skirmish line including their grasshopper cannons.  The surprise bayonet charge from the American center, combined with a envelopment of their rear and flanks totally upended the British plan, already drained by a forced march on little sleep and food, mounting casualties and asolid hour of fighting.  Tarleton gathered a few cavalry men that clashed with American dragoons on horseback in an attempt to recapture their cannons, it failed.  Tarleton narrowly escaped with his life.  The end result was 25 Americans dead and 124 wounded while the British suffered 110 killed, 229 wounded and 629 taken prisoner out of a force shy of 1,200 men. 

The Battle of Cowpens was small in scale but it contributed to the overall drainage of British forces in the Carolinas Campaign.  It also solidified Daniel Morgan’s reputation as a tactical commander.  He in effect employed the only use of a double envelopment in the whole war, a classic battle tactic since ancient times and perfected by Hannibal and the Carthaginians against the Romans at the Battle of Cannae in 216 BC.  The American Revolution and 18th century in general was not largely an era known for overall tactical development since many European style battles more or less followed a repeated pattern of “chess piece” formulas or marching forces like pawns to dislodge the enemy through massed fire followed by bayonet charges until one side relented.  Cowpens was entirely different, in confounded expectations by lulling the British into a trap and completely physically and mentally breaking them down.  While the British would achieve further tactical victories namely at Guildford Courthouse later that spring, it did so at great cost of life while the Continentals and militia continued to escape and withdraw into the countryside further sapping the strength of the British.  All this bought time for the arrival of French regular troops to join with General George Washington in the autumn of 1781 in the North who would march down to Virginia and ultimately trap Cornwallis at Yorktown that October as part of his own attempt to cutoff American supply lines, effectively this ended the war in American victory.  Cowpens was a sort of microcosm into the American strategy that developed out of necessity for the whole war, the British might win major pitched battles but their failures over and over to capture the main American armies as a whole and suffering attrition through small scale losses and overextending their forces wore them down in the end.