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Suit in Ross tartan

Suit in Ross tartan

Kate Tough writes about this family heirloom, which you can see in the Industry and Empire gallery on Level 5.

Escaping the Selvedge

Takes a special kind to go
another kind to stay here

   Kilmaluag   Kirkibol   Scourie   Borve

“Their appearance was truly appalling

Nowhere do such patriots so embrace
the leaving of the place

   Scerrymains   Portree   Duntulm   Scullam

and their grief on being rejected

Going because peat is not gold, aye,
hame can be gye feckless cauld

   Achnahannait   Bundalloch   Hungladder   Uig

most painful
to witness.”

 

(Quotation from the shipping records of the
Highland and Islands Emigration Society
found on the Scottish Archive Network
www.scan.org.uk)

About the author

Kate Tough

Kate Tough was awarded a Scottish Arts Council bursary to complete her first novel, When You Kill a Thing and It Doesn't Die (recently short-listed for a publication prize). She’s had many extracts, stories and poems published, and is included in the upcoming crime anthology from Bridge House.

Since gaining a Masters in Creative Writing, Kate has taught in various professional and community settings. In 2009, she was writer-in-residence at the Wigtown Book Festival. In 2011, she was invited back to talk about 26 Treasures (with Vivien Jones, Serf’s Collar). Kate is the new host of Glasgow’s monthly event, Poetry@The Ivory – a fantastic showcase for Scotland’s best poetic talent.

Find out more about Kate's work at www.katetough.com.

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What are these links?

Suit in Ross tartan

On display

  • Industry and Empire

Creation story

  • Suit in Ross tartan

About the author

  • Kate Tough's website
  • Meet Kate Tough at a 26 Treasures event

 

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National Museums Scotland, Scottish Charity, No. SC 011130