Fabric gives glimpse into Scotland’s history

By Paul Thornton

A DEEP red scrap of felt hints at the bloody history behind this rare fragment of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s sword hilt.

The tiny triangle, which once lined the Jacobite prince’s weapon holder, was displayed in Edinburgh ahead of its auction next month.

Auctioneers have no idea whether the hilt was on the sword used by Charles Edward Stewart during his unsuccessful Jacobite rebellion in 1745.

But they claim the scrap was found hidden in a tree trunk along with a gold watch and chain by woodsman in Dumfries in the late 19th century.

A note accompanying the framed felt reads “Lining of Prince Charles sword hilt 1745.”

Its mystery current owners have handed the sword hilt down through the generations of their family.

But Edinburgh auctioneers Lyon and Turnbull will put it under the hammer next month.

PICTURE OF THE DAY: Reflections

MIRROR IMAGE: The Forth Rail Bridge is reflected on a mirror as the early morning sun burned through the East coast haze today, marking what weather forecasters predict will be a good burst of weather for Edinburgh, Fife and the Lothians. Photograph by Lorenzo Dalberto

SNP by-election campaign launched in Glenrothes 261

Pics by Lorenzo Dalberto

The SNP  formally launched its campaign for the Glenrothes by-election today.
 
The party’s candidate for the November 6 ballot is Peter Grant, the leader of SNP-controlled Fife council.

He will call for the political focus to switch from bailing out the banks to easing ever-tighter family budgets.

First Minister Alex Salmond joined Mr Grant on a visit to a local paper maker which is leading the way in adopting renewable energy.