Great Scots, Part V: The Final Ten—Reformers, Field Marshals, and Polar Pioneers

We've reached the end of our exploration into the captivating 1933 Mitchell's Cigarettes "Great Scots" collection. This final block of ten figures brings us face-to-face with the men and women who shaped Scotland's religious, military, and exploratory past, providing a fitting conclusion to a century-spanning historical survey printed on humble tobacco cards.

God, Glory, and Generals

This final group is dominated by figures from military command and religious reform who fundamentally altered the course of Scottish history.

King David I: The card portrays the 12th-century King of Scotland, likely overseeing an architectural project alongside a monk. Known as "the Saint" for his devotion, David I was a transformative figure who introduced feudalism and established many of Scotland's great abbeys and burghs (towns), fundamentally modernizing the country and laying the foundations for its medieval kingdom.

John Knox: The central figure of the Scottish Reformation, Knox's card shows him preaching in a kirk. His relentless efforts established Presbyterianism in Scotland, permanently changing the country's religious and political landscape.

Earl Haig (Douglas Haig, 1st Earl Haig): A highly recognizable contemporary figure in 1933, Haig was a senior officer during the First World War, serving as Commander-in-Chief of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) from 1915. His card, showing him on horseback, celebrates his prominent, though controversial, military legacy.

Sir Ralph Abercromby: A distinguished British lieutenant-general, Sir Ralph Abercromby is known for his successful military campaigns, particularly in the West Indies and Egypt, where he was mortally wounded in 1801. His card depicts a cavalry charge, capturing the action of his command.

Lord Heathfield (George Augustus Eliott, Baron Heathfield): A famous general known for successfully defending Gibraltar during the Great Siege (1779–1783). His card shows him on horseback, giving orders on the battlefield, a clear nod to his military prowess.

David Leslie (Lord Newark): A formidable military commander during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, Leslie commanded the Covenanter army. His card is a dramatic depiction of a cavalry engagement, celebrating his strategic skill.

The Explorer and the Administrator

This section highlights the global reach of Scottish achievement, from the frozen poles to the political machinations of the Covenanters.

Sir James Clark Ross: A renowned naval officer and polar explorer. His card shows him in an icy environment with colleagues, commemorating his vital work mapping the magnetic North Pole and exploring Antarctica.

The Earl of Loudoun (John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun): A nobleman and military officer, he was an important figure during the mid-18th century, particularly as a commander during the French and Indian War in North America. His card shows him in a scene of deliberation or planning with other officials.

The Women and Writer

The collection concludes by showcasing influential women and one of the greatest storytellers of the Victorian age.

Jane, Duchess of Gordon: An influential social and political figure in 18th-century Scotland, the Duchess was a famous society hostess and an effective recruiter for the Gordon Highlanders regiment. Her card features her in elegant attire, greeting and encouraging recruits, highlighting her role in military life.

Robert Louis Stevenson: The author of timeless classics like Treasure Island and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. His card shows him traveling with a donkey, reminiscent of his travel writing, Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes, and capturing his spirit of adventure.

The Complete "Great Scots" Collection: A 1933 Time Capsule

Completing this 50-card set reveals something profound about what Mitchell's Cigarettes considered the "Essential Scotland" in 1933.

The collection is a near-perfect blend:

• Foundational Leaders: Wallace, Bruce, Macbeth, King David I.

• Literary & Intellectual Giants: Hume, Scott, Burns, R.L.S., Barrie, Carlyle.

• Architects of Change: Knox, James Watt, William Paterson.

• Rebels & Cavaliers: Montrose, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Flora MacDonald.

• Military & Naval Heroes: Earl Haig, Sir John Moore, Duncan of Camperdown.

• Influential Women: Mary Queen of Scots, Lady Anne MacIntosh, Jane, Duchess of Gordon.

These cards are small paper windows into the collective memory of Scotland, showing how national identity was communicated to the masses during the inter-war period.

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The High Andes? A 35mm Mystery on the Mountain Slope

 This latest find from my collected box of 35mm slides is a breath taking one. It’s a truly dramatic shot, capturing a hiking or trekking group making their way up a steep, rocky, scrub-covered slope towards a towering, snow-capped mountain and a visible glacier. The sheer scale and rugged beauty immediately make it one of the most compelling photos in the collection.

The image is so rich in detail that I'm hoping we can use it to pinpoint its location and perhaps even the date it was taken. Let’s do some photographic detective work!

Clues to the Location: Where in the World?

The geography is the biggest clue here. This isn't just any mountain; it possesses specific characteristics:

1. High Altitude Environment: The presence of a large, accessible glacier and the rocky, barren terrain indicates a very high elevation, likely above the treeline.

2. Vegetation: The foreground is covered in tussock grasses and low, tough scrub. This type of vegetation is often characteristic of alpine tundra or páramo environments.

3. Mountain Structure: The peak itself is intensely craggy and heavily glaciated, suggesting a geologically young and very high mountain range. The style of glaciation (steep ice faces, deep crevasses) is notable.

4. Trekking Style: The people visible are carrying significant backpacks and seem to be on a well-established, though rocky, trail. This looks like a multi-day high-altitude trek.

Based on these factors, my strongest initial suspicion leans toward the South American Andes, specifically in areas known for dramatic glacial peaks and trekking, such as Peru (like the Cordillera Blanca) or Bolivia. The intense light, the nature of the rock, and the type of scrub feel very Andean.

Clues to the Date: A Vintage Vibe

Dating the slide requires looking at the gear and the photographic style:

• The Look of the Film: The image exhibits a high-contrast, slightly grainy quality with a distinctive colour palette—particularly the rich, almost overly saturated golden-browns and olive-greens in the foreground foliage. This is highly suggestive of Ektachrome or a similar film stock from the 1970s or early 1980s.

• The Gear: Take a close look at the trekkers' backpacks. They appear to be external frame or early internal frame packs, which were popular from the 1970s through the 1990s. The colours (greens, reds) and materials look "vintage" compared to modern synthetic, sleek packs.

• Clothing: The visible clothing is bulky and layered, but not necessarily modern technical wear. There's a look of heavy, possibly wool or thick canvas materials.

Combining the film characteristics and the gear suggests this photo was most likely taken sometime in the late 1970s or early 1980s.

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Tunnel to Lock: A Walk along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal

 Date of Adventure: July 25, 2020 Camera: Nikon D3300

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal is a true gem of the North, a testament to the grit and engineering prowess of the Industrial Revolution, and a stunning place for a walk. This particular summer's day took me along a picturesque stretch from the Standedge Tunnel entrance near Marsden to Lock 42 close to Marsden Railway Station. The weather was classic Yorkshire—a bit cloudy, but the lush greenery made everything pop.

The Standedge Tunnel Experience

Our walk started at the eastern portal of the incredible Standedge Tunnel. At over three miles long, it's the longest canal tunnel in Britain! The sheer scale of the operation is evident at the Standedge Tunnel Visitor Centre . The imposing stone building, with its distinctive red doors, sits right on the water's edge, offering a fascinating glimpse into the canal's history. Tour boats moored here add to the scene, ready to take visitors a short distance into the tunnel's mouth.

Looking directly down the canal, the tunnel entrance is a dark, mysterious arch carved into the hillside . Flanking the canal are traditional stone buildings, including the waterside café —a perfect spot for a pre-walk brew and a moment to reflect on the incredible journey narrowboats make through the Pennines.

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Following the Towpath South

From the tunnel, we set off along the towpath. The canal here is a ribbon of deep, dark water, beautifully framed by dense trees, ferns, and the steep slopes of the Pennine hills. The path itself is a mix of gravel and mud, especially after a typical summer shower, adding to the rustic, immersive feel .

The walk is incredibly scenic, with stone bridges like Bridge 62 crossing the water . These historic structures, along with the surrounding well-kept cottages, are a reminder that the canal runs right through the heart of the community. Along this section near Marsden, you see the juxtaposition of nature and industry, with a brightly painted narrowboat moored quietly against a background of green ferns .

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The Descent through Marsden Locks

As we continued, the canal started its descent through the flight of locks leading toward the centre of Marsden. The section features several locks, including Lock 43 and Lock 42 . These are classic examples of narrow canal architecture, with their heavy, black-painted gates, sluice mechanisms, and stone-lined chambers.

It's always a pleasure to stop and watch the lock mechanisms in action, though today it was more about appreciating the structures themselves. Lock 42, our final destination for this section, stands close to modern road and rail bridges, highlighting how this historic waterway coexists with modern infrastructure.

This particular stretch of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal offers a beautiful blend of engineering history, peaceful nature, and local charm. It's a fantastic route for an afternoon's walk, whether you're a canal enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful escape into the Yorkshire countryside. Highly recommended!

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Where Beer Met Education: Unpacking the History and Transformation of The Maltings, Halifax

Standing proudly on the outskirts of Halifax, amidst a landscape defined by Yorkshire's industrial past and rolling green hills, is a striking stone building that tells a fascinating story of change: The Maltings.

Your photographs perfectly capture the imposing scale and rugged beauty of this structure, revealing its deep roots in the region's brewing tradition while hinting at its modern, revitalised purpose. Far from being a relic, The Maltings is a living example of how Halifax breathes new life into its magnificent heritage architecture.

From Grain to Greatness: A Century of Brewing

To appreciate The Maltings today, we must journey back to its origins. This magnificent building was erected around 1900 as the maltings facility for the nearby Fountainhead Brewery, home to the famous Samuel Webster & Sons.

Maltings buildings were crucial components of any large brewery. This is where the barley, the heart of the beer, was prepared through the complex process of malting—steeping, germinating, and drying the grain to produce the sugars necessary for brewing. The sheer size and distinct, multi-level architecture of The Maltings reflect this industrial process:

• The Architecture: The building is a superb example of large-scale, late-Victorian industrial architecture. Constructed from local, finely grained York stone with a steeply pitched Westmorland slate roof, it was built to last. The height and generous windows, visible in the images, were designed to manage the critical temperature and ventilation needed for germinating the barley.

• A Landscape Landmark: Situated on Maltings Road in the Ovenden Wood area, the structure was built to dominate the landscape. Even today, long-ranging views across the valley show the building's importance, a silent monument to the commercial power of the Halifax brewing industry at the turn of the 20th century.

Webster's was a dominant force, building up a portfolio of over 100 tied public houses by the 1880s and becoming known for its iconic brands like Green Label and Pennine Bitter. The Maltings was thus a powerhouse of the regional economy.

A Sympathetic Second Act

By the late 20th century, the brewing industry had consolidated, and the Fountainhead Brewery complex faced an uncertain future. Crucially, the main maltings building was listed as a Grade II Listed Building in 1990, securing its architectural future.

In a remarkable act of preservation and redevelopment, The Maltings was sympathetically restored and converted into commercial office space as part of a multi-million-pound project in the late 1980s. This conversion was so successful that it was recognised with a European Heritage Award (Diploma) in 1991, an accolade that speaks volumes about the quality of the restoration work, which involved:

• Restoring the original York stone exterior.

• Replacing 1930s metal windows with new, traditionally styled hardwood units.

• Internally restructuring the floors to maximise natural light while retaining the raw, industrial character of the space—a perfect blend of heritage and contemporary functionality.

The Modern Maltings: A Hub of Education

Today, The Maltings has found its most inspiring purpose yet: as a central hub for Trinity Multi-Academy Trust (MAT).

It now serves as the group’s main offices, housing the administration and supporting education initiatives across the region. This is a wonderfully poetic transformation: a building once dedicated to producing the raw material for a commercial beverage is now dedicated to cultivating the minds of the next generation. The imposing structure, which once held vast stores of barley, now houses the strategic core of a major educational group.

The presence of the Trinity Institute of Education at The Maltings continues its legacy as a site of production—not of beer, but of knowledge and opportunity. When you look at its robust stone walls and towering form today, you see more than just an old brewery building; you see the enduring spirit of Yorkshire's innovation, repurposed for the 21st century.

It stands as a perfect symbol of Halifax: a town proud of its magnificent past, but always looking forward.

I took these pictures with a Nikon d3300 on the 11th July 2020, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Great Scots, Part IV: Poets, Admirals, and the Makers of Modern Scotland

We’ve reached the penultimate instalment of our tour through the 1933 Mitchell's Cigarettes "Great Scots" collection. This block of ten cards features some of the most universally recognized names in Scottish history, whose impact ranges from the poetry we still read today to the foundations of the global financial system.

This set beautifully balances the old and the new, the literary and the martial, perfectly capturing the multifaceted nature of the Scottish identity in the 1930s.

Literary Immortals and Intellectual Titans

Scotland's towering contribution to literature is front and centre in this selection.

Robert Burns: Pictured in a vibrant social setting, the card honours the national poet of Scotland, often referred to as The Bard. His poetry and songs, such as "Auld Lang Syne," are known worldwide, making him a central figure in Scottish culture and identity.

Lord Macaulay (Thomas Babington Macaulay): A prominent Whig politician, historian, and essayist. His card shows him in a domestic scene, perhaps teaching or telling a story. Macaulay's work, particularly his The History of England, shaped the Whig interpretation of British history for generations.

Lord Erskine (Thomas Erskine, 1st Baron Erskine): An incredibly renowned lawyer and politician, Erskine was considered one of the greatest advocates in the history of the British bar. His card depicts him arriving or departing a carriage, perhaps on his way to a famous case.

Queens, Saints, and Heroic Women

The collection continues to feature powerful female figures who held significant influence over the course of Scottish history.

Flora MacDonald: The quintessential Jacobite heroine, Flora MacDonald is immortalized for helping Bonnie Prince Charlie escape after the Battle of Culloden. Her card depicts the dramatic, clandestine nature of her act, a story that became legendary.

St. Margaret (Margaret of Scotland): A Queen of Scotland in the 11th century, she was renowned for her piety, charity, and influence in integrating the Scottish church with the Roman Church. Her card shows her in a scene that seems to involve work on a ship or in a bustling, historical setting.

Annabella Drummond: The Queen Consort to Robert III of Scotland, she was a central political figure in the late 14th century. Her card's illustration of knights jousting or fighting suggests the martial world of her era and the political maoeuvring she engaged in.

The Builders of Modern Institutions

These Scots are celebrated for their foundational roles in global economics and politics.

William Paterson: The visionary Scottish banker who is best known as the founder of the Bank of England in 1694. His card depicts him in a meeting, likely outlining the foundational plans for his institution or the disastrous Darien Scheme, an event that led to Scotland's financial ruin and ultimately, the Act of Union.

The Earl of Balfour (Arthur Balfour): A prominent Conservative politician and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom at the turn of the 20th century. His card shows him interacting with a crowd of people, reflecting his long and influential career in British public life.

Military and Naval Glory

Finally, the set recognizes the courage and strategic genius of Scotland's martial heroes.

Duncan of Camperdown (Admiral Adam Duncan, 1st Viscount Duncan): A celebrated naval hero, his card shows him on the deck of a ship. He is famous for his stunning victory over the Dutch fleet at the Battle of Camperdown in 1797.

Sir Colin Campbell (Lord Clyde): A highly decorated military officer, Sir Colin Campbell served in numerous conflicts, becoming famous for his command during the Indian Mutiny (Siege of Lucknow). His card portrays him greeting another officer in a military camp, underscoring his celebrated career.

This block brilliantly ties together Scotland's most enduring themes: its literary voice (Burns), its rebellious spirit (Flora MacDonald), its royal history (St. Margaret, Annabella Drummond), and its world-changing impact on finance and defense (Paterson, Duncan).

Only ten cards remain to complete the collection! Join me for the final instalment soon.

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A Glimpse Back: Cowes in Days Gone By from My 35mm Slide Collection

There's something incredibly satisfying about diving into a box of old 35mm slides. Each transparency is a tiny window to the past, a frozen moment in time waiting to be rediscovered. Today, I pulled out this fantastic shot of Cowes, and it immediately sparked a wave of nostalgia and curiosity.

This image captures the quintessential charm of Cowes, a town synonymous with sailing and the Isle of Wight. Looking at the serene harbour, with its distinctive buildings lining the waterfront and the gentle bobbing of boats, you can almost hear the gulls and feel the sea breeze.

Let's take a closer look at what we can see. The architecture along the High Street is classic Cowes, a mix of historic buildings that have witnessed countless regattas and maritime events. The calm water reflects the clear blue sky, suggesting a beautiful, probably summer, day. The boats, from small dinghies to what look like larger yachts further out, reinforce the town's identity as a sailing hub.

Dating the Image: A Little Detective Work

One of the most fun parts of revisiting old slides is trying to pinpoint when they were taken. While I don't have an exact date noted for this particular slide, there are a few clues that can help us narrow it down.

Firstly, the overall feel of the photograph – the colours, the quality of the film, and the general appearance of the boats and buildings – strongly suggests a 1970s or early 1980s timeframe. The style of some of the smaller boats and the lack of overtly modern marina infrastructure point towards this era. There's a wonderful, unhurried quality to the scene that feels characteristic of those decades before widespread digital photography.

Specific details that might help include:

• The design of the pontoons and walkways.

• The types of cars (though none are clearly visible, their absence is also a clue!)

• Any particular signage on the buildings, though these aren't entirely clear in this view.

This photograph is more than just a picture of a place; it's a snapshot of an era. It reminds me of leisurely days spent exploring the British coast, a time when film cameras were the norm, and every click was a carefully considered moment. I'm so glad these slides have preserved such beautiful memories.

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