National Trust for Scotland – Matthew McKinnon's Blog

Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery but today is a Gift, that’s why it is called “the present”!

Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.Your faithfulness continues through all generations;

I came across an old chap on social media this week who was quoting the above saying, it was new to me so really made me laugh. I decided to use the words in this month’s blog! The photos above are a personal picture of ‘yesterday, today and the future’ illustrating our growing family over a period of 127 years. I’m sure many could show a similar set of photos representing their family! And doesn’t holding a new baby often cause one to exclaim, ‘I wonder what the future holds for this child?’

History – Libraries of course hold volumes of books that have been written on the history of our changing world over the last century. That however pales into insigificance, volume-wise, when we consider the advent of the computer. According to ChatGPT (Intelligent Design) humanity now produces more information in a single day than was produced in an entire century in the past. Total recorded information is estimated to double every few years, and covers every subject imaginable. Our recent visit to the Transport museum and this month’s visit to the Kelvingrove Art Galleries and Museum could be considered by some to be a waste of time, as you can find it all on the internet. But nothing I believe beats things that stimulate our five senses; touch, taste, hearing, sight and smell.

Now here are some photos of our recent visit to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, a visit we always find to be a great way to spend an afternoon, and admission is free! Most of the exhibits I enjoy, but find the work of artists, and sculptors particularly amazing. Too many photos to show, but here is a sample.

But when the sunshines!…..well, my wife and I like to get out together at least one day a week, over and above things like cutting the grass, tidying the garden and getting the greenhouse ready for the expected new season. The following photos are of our recent activities including photos taken during our visit to the beautiful Greenbank NTS (National Trust for Scotland) Gardens.

Reflection: I’ve been mentioning something of the wonders of our computer age and the advancement of AI, but as you get older it’s difficult to cope at times with all these ‘newfangled ideas’ that are constantly being pushed forward, especially in the world of technology. Of course we recognise the many many blessings they have brought in terms of medicine, transport, mobility, home comforts and ease of communication with family and friends. Yes we are truly blessed.

It’s apparent however that human hearts haven’t changed, as we watch and listen to our daily news bulletins. Do you ever feel just like switching the TV off? Wars and more wars, cheating public figures, in politics, business, and the entertainment world, and to be truthful in every other aspect of life. We also witness the daily toll of people from all backgrounds coming before our courts, and our prison system groaning under overload capacity. Oh, and then there is you and me, who get things terribly wrong far too often!

A surreal painting depicting a crucifixion scene with a figure on the cross, set against a dark sky and distorted landscape.

The most famous painting in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery is by far Salvador Dali’s painting entitled ‘Christ of St John of the Cross’ where he dramatically contrasts the Jesus of Galilee, with Jesus the man on a cross. Why, we may well ask, did Jesus who taught the multitudes around the shores of Galilee and beyond, end his life in agony, humiliation, shame and mockery on a cross? All he taught regarding the things of God, and the coming Kingdom were so often accompanied by his miracles. You will remember how he fed the hungry, healed the sick, made the lame to walk, gave sight to the blind, calmed the sea and raised the dead. A reading of John’s Gospel provides the answer to the ‘why’ question, and as we approach Easter I’m sure you would be blessed if you read it for yourself. John finishes his writing of that Gospel with these words ‘Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.‘ At our Church in Glasgow we have been studying John’s Gospel together at our morning services for many weeks, why not listen to one? I recommend last week’s talk which you can hear by logging on to the website. – http://www.greenviewchurch.co.uk

On Sunday we read the Biblical account of Jesus’ death by crucifixion on a Friday all those years ago, but as Jesus followers we remember His promise of the third day, and love to say, ‘Ah, but Sunday’s coming’! …. for on the third day he arose from the grave. So we look forward to Easter Sunday just a few days away and hope you can enjoy the celebration at a Church where you are?

As Easter fast approaches I will finish with the words of a hymn that always touches my heart, you can hear it being sung on You Tube. It goes like this:

Up Calvary’s mountain, one dreadful morn,
Walked Christ my Saviour, weary and worn;
Facing for sinners death on the cross,
That He might save them from endless loss.

Refrain
Blessed Redeemer! Precious Redeemer!
Seems I now see Him on Calvary’s tree;
Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading,
Blind and unheeding-dying for me!

“Father forgive them!” thus did He pray,
E’en while His lifeblood flowed fast away;
Praying for sinners while in such woe
No one but Jesus ever loved so.

Refrain
O how I love Him, Savior and Friend,
How can my praises ever find end!
Through years unnumbered on heaven’s shore,
My tongue shall praise Him forevermore.

Best wishes for Easter wherever you are, and I’m always happy to hear from you

Matthew

2025 Another stage started on Life’s Journey.

IT’S BEEN A BUSY START!

This year we spent the first day of January with family and friends at Skelmorlie on the Clyde coast, at the home of my son Allan and wife Jacqui. The best of cuisine in the best of company. On the second day of January we met again at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for ‘The Messiah’ presentation by the Scottish National Orchestra and Chorus – absolutely beautiful and inspiring! To finish the day we had a tour around the centre of Glasgow to see the ‘Christmas lights’ before they were dismantled for another year! The following sunny but frosty day we made a visit to my daughter and son-in-law at Gartmore, and finally at the end of that first week we met with friends for our annual church day of prayer. Whew, yes a busy start! Photos follow.

A peaceful New Year;s Day with family and friends.

Winter by Robert Burns
The wintry west extends his blast,

Other special big events so far this year, included a trip to hospital with my wife who was having the first of two cataracts removed from her eyes. Thankfully she is already seeing much clearer and sharper in the one eye as a result. Also, we received news that our grand-daughter Lindsey and husband Jamie had presented us with another new great-grandson named Finn. Mother and child both well and now at home.

On a sadder note we have said our farewells on this earth to a number of our older family members and friends during the last few weeks. But we await with hope a reunion in a day to come in the presence of our risen and exalted Lord Jesus Christ.

A VISIT TO THE ROBERT BURNS MEMORIAL IN ALLOWAY, SCOTLAND

Here in Scotland, just exactly one month after Christmas, on the 25 January we celebrate Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns and his amazing poetical works. So since the weather turned a bit milder this week, we used our National Trust Cards to visit the thatched cottage where Robert Burns was born in Alloway, and the nearby Burns Museum and coffee shop. It’s well worth a visit if you haven’t been, or haven’t been for a while. Here are some photos, and a couple of short excerpts from two of his best known poems.

‘Tam o Shanter’ by Robert Burns ‘But pleasures are like poppies spread: You seize the flower, its bloom is shed; Or like the snow fall on the river,
A moment white – then melts forever

‘To a Mouse’ by Robert Burns

But Mousie, thou art no thy lane,
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best-laid schemes o’ mice and men
Gang aft a-gley, And lea’e us nought but grief and pain, For promised joy!

I love so many of Burn’s poems and songs, but perhaps my favourite is ‘The Cotters Saturday night‘ which gives such a great picture into family life for many here in Scotland away back in the eighteenth century. I have recorded my recitation of it on You Tube and you can listen to it here if you wish. https://youtu.be/2DJf4xWGZdg?si=huyDHOFIDWMY0lPK

I have seldom if ever, heard anyone quote the words of Robert Burns as he faced death, but in 1781 when that seemed imminent he wrote these words.

O Thou unknown, Almighty Cause of all my hopes and fears, in whose dread presence, ere an hour, Perhaps I must appear. If I have wandered in those paths Of life I aught to shun; As something loudly in my breast Remonstrates I have done.

The last verse says:

Where with intention I have erred, No other plea I have, But thou art good; and goodness still delighteth to forgive.

Sad to read of his uncertainty regarding his final eternal destiny, when it is possible to be sure! When we go on a journey we invariably have everything organised to the last detail, and particularly our final hotel/Guest House accommodation. Yet on our journey through life, thoughts of our final destination are often completely ignored. Our morning Bible reading today was from Matthew 7:13,14. where Jesus says
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.’ Jesus is the Gate! (John 10.9) and Jesus is the Way (John 14:6)

So in our current uncertain and unpredictable world where none of us knows what a day may bring, I would ask you, do you know the road you are on? and have you thought of your final destination? In the bible the Apostle John writing to Christians in his first letter says ‘And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.’ (1 John 5:11,12)

Time to check it out?

Until next time – I wish you God’s blessing wherever you are.

Matthew

Scotland – Treasures of the Past

We’ve been looking at houses recently! No, not with a view to moving from our current home, but simply because the postman dropped the ”National Trust for Scotland Members’ Guide’ through our letterbox. We have been members for many years and in the past frequently visited their estates and properties and nature reserves scattered all around Scotland (over 100) which they work hard to preserve for future generations. We are always impressed by the planning and effort that they put into this task.

The 2024/25 Members’ Guide

Recently we visited one or two local NTS properties and another not too far away. We always find their staff to be friendly and helpful, and that proved to be the same on our recent visits shown below. AND …. there is usually a well stocked visitors’ shop and tearoom to be enjoyed on your visit.

The last page of the current guide shows a map of Scotland with all their properties marked, and asks the question ‘How many will you visit? So that got us started again!

In the southside of Glasgow there is villa called Holmwood House built in 1858, which was designed by architect Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson (1817-1875) who was reputed world-wide to be one of Scotland’s most talented architects and designers. We recently visited, and were not disappointed. It is beautifully situated on the banks of the White Cart river, amid extensive grounds. Built initially for paper mill owners Robert and James Cooper, whose family occupied it between 1858 – 1909. After this it changed hands many times before it was taken over in 1958 by The Sisters of our Lady of the Mission. The property was used as a chapel and dormitory, and soon the Sisters had established a primary school, and also taught in a local comprehensive school. They were also involved in many other aspects of parish work. By 1994 they had moved to more suitable premises and the building was purchased by NTS, who since then have worked tirelessly to restore its appearance and condition as in 1858. Some very impressive work has been done. Here are some photographs with much more information on-line.

We enjoyed our visit to Holmwood and would recommend it to those of you who are near enough to visit.

Greenbank Garden is even closer to home and we have visited there many times. On our recent visit the rain came on, so we had an almost empty garden to enjoy. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves this time, but again more information available on line. My photographs :-

We started our visits last month going to a house built for the rich, and ended it with a visit to a house built for the poor, ‘Weaver’s Cottage’ in Kilbarchan which was built in 1723. Weaving was first recorded in this village in 1695 when there were 30-40 looms. By1838 eight hundred looms were said to be working in the village and local area. My granny was a weaver, so I was fascinated to hear the story of the weaver being recounted and demonstrated by the video being played and by the NTS staff. Everything from the spinning of the yarn to the weaving of a variety of cloths, even intricate clan tartans provided for the Royal Family and others, and to catch something of their life and work away back then.

The rooms in the cottage were let out to different families, with varying skills, some relating to the weaving business but others such as shoe making and repairs. It must have been a hive of industry when they were all working. The mechanisation of the weaving business during the Industrial Revolution however, was to bring to an end the huge cottage industry of weaving by hand looms, plus many linked trades, such as spinners, yarn dyers, pirn winders and cloth finishers.

One thing about the Weaver’s Cottage that grabbed our attention was the number of rooms with an ‘inset’ bed. The beds were so short that it would have been impossible for an average adult to lie out on them. This we were told was no problem as the people of the day preferred to sleep in a sitting position! That was the first time I had heard of such a thing.

This blog started with a look at a rich man’s house and has ended with a look at a poor man’s house, the original residents of which have long since passed away. One thing that the visit to the cottage brought home is the brevity of life, for the Bible says ‘my days are swifter than a weavers shuttle” Job 7:5 which we can all relate to. A weaver’s shuttle is incredibly fast, we can vouch for that! It also reminds us that we brought nothing into this world and we can take nothing out! The houses are there, but past resisdents are gone. So we need to weigh up Jesus’ words in Luke’s Gospel

“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self”? Luke 9:24, 25 or again the words of Jesus – “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me”. Revelation 3:19,20

Visits to places like this bring back many memories. As I have said, my granny was a weaver, my mother’s childhood was in a similar small cottage in Fife, not to mention the inset beds, which both our parents would have slept in, tho’ thankfully somewhat larger than those illustrated!

We enjoyed these visits and are grateful for the NTS for the work they do for the nation. These three sites are definitley recommended as places worth a visit. You will find it is cheaper to become a member, as the entrance fee for non members is quite expensive, so after just a few visits as a member you are in credit!

Trust you are well wherever you are, why not take time to consider the words of Jesus? Always glad to hear from you.

Matthew

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