Paul, 
 
I thank you for your detailed reply, re. the discovery of the MacGragor sword, it is very fascinating, and could have ended in a tragic manner , had not the sword been rescued from the byre before it was too far gone.  
 
I also thank you for answering the question re. the lining of the hilt.  It makes sense to protect the hand from any ivading bars! 
 
When you mentioned Sherrifmuir, I thought of the painting hanging in Elien-Donan, of the McRaes dancing on the rooftop the night before the battle. 
 
Jim, 
 The story of the swords being given to the combatants seems to me a bit questionable.  ...Would have thought that MacGregor would not have gone walking out without wearing his own. 
My grandfather always used to say: "when it's fair, take a coat, When it's raining, please yourself.." 
and I think this could be altered somewhat to cover the sword in those times. 
 (This is pure speculation on my part.) 
  Also for a swordsman to throw Any good blade into the loch seems  to me rather unlikely but having said that, I wasn't there to see what happened!! 
If I Had been, and he Did, I'd have marked the spot Very carefully!! 
 
Richard.
		 
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
	 |