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THE NEWSPAPER REPORTS
WICK
John o’Groat Journal, 3rd May 1901
PRESENTATION TO THE VOLUNTEERS.
In the Rifle Hall, which was crowded, a ceremony of thanksgiving was gone through, and also a presentation to the volunteers of the silver cups given by Mr Bignold, M.P. On the platform were the volunteer officers, representatives of the municipal bodies, and several others. Seats in the front were provided for the nine Wick volunteers back from South Africa, Sergt. BAILLIE, Lance-Sergt. CLYNE, Lance-Corporal MILLER, and Privates BREMNER, CALDER, DONALDSON, FORBES, MACDONALD and NICHOLSON. As they made their appearance on the platform they were received with a tremendous outburst of applause, while the band played “The Conquering Hero”. In restored quietness Rev. Mr Ross, Pulteneytown, gave out the 100th Psalm, in which all joined. Having read a passage of Scripture, Mr Ross then offered up an appropriate prayer of thanksgiving for the return of the volunteers.
Major Buik, who occupied the chair, extended to those returned from South Africa a hearty welcome from their comrades, the Rifle Volunteers. (Applause). …….
……. Major Buik said that Mr Bignold, M.P. for the Northern Burghs, had kindly presented twelve silver cups, one for each of the Volunteers. (Applause). As Mr Bignold was not to be present, they had asked ex-Provost Paterson Smith, chairman of his committee, to present the cups. (Applause).
Ex-Provost Paterson Smith referred to the enthusiastic send-off to the Volunteers when they left for South Africa. The enthusiasm was all the greater on their return, as they came back with the best of credentials. Lord Roberts had said of the army that the fought like heroes, and behaved like gentlemen. (Loud applause). Having read a telegram of welcome to the Volunteers from Mr Bignold, the ex-Provost proceeded that it was the custom not many years ago to talk of volunteers with a smile of disparagement. They would never hear that again. (Applause). No men had served their country better than the volunteers from this country and the Colonies. (Applause). The honour had fallen to him of presenting those cups to the Volunteers. He did so on behalf of Mr Bignold with the greatest pleasure in life. (Applause). Beginning with Sergeant BAILLIE, the cups were then handed over to the Volunteers one by one, and they were received with round after round of applause as they came forward to receive them. In a few concluding words, ex-Provost Smith referred to the presence on the platform of Private STEVEN of the Black Watch, who had been through Magersfontein and Paardeberg, and the gallant young soldier was also accorded a hearty round of applause.
Sergeant BAILLIE got a most enthusiastic reception when he stepped forward to reply on behalf of his comrades. The whole gathering in the hall and on the platform rose to their feet, cheering loudly and waving their handkerchiefs. Sergeant BAILLIE expressed regret that only nine of them were present, but he was in a position to state that Private WALLACE, Private COWPER, and Lance-Corporal McLEOD would not be long in coming. (Applause).
[Ed. Lance-Corporal McLeod died at Deelfontein on 03/06/1901].
……. For Mr Bignold they had nothing but heartfelt thanks. (Applause). It was more than they deserved, but if Mr Bignold thought them worthy of it they would accept his gift and give their hearty thanks. (Applause).
KIRKWALL
Orkney Harald, 3rd July 1901
After the competitions all the companies mustered at the Drill Hall, and, headed by the regimental band, marched to the Crafty, where Trooper McNEILL, of the Imperial Yeomanry, who had lately returned from South Africa, was presented with a silver cup, the gift of Mr Bignold, M.P. Colonel Bailey, who was in command, stated to the Volunteers that he had brought them to witness a presentation which the Provost of Kirkwall was about to make to Trooper McNEILL, on his return from the war in South Africa. Provost Spence then stepped forward and said – The duty which I have this day been asked to perform, with the consent and approval of the officers of the Orkney Artillery Volunteers, is of a pleasing and agreeable kind. At one time it was expected that Colonel Bailey would make the presentation, but the rules of the service do not warrant him doing so. The cup is a silver one, and has been sent by Mr Bignold, M.P. for the Northern Burghs, to be presented to Mr Daniel Frederick McNEILL, Holm, of the 15th [sic] Company of the Yeomanry, for volunteering, ang going to the front in South Africa, so as to assist in fighting our nation’s battles. What he saw and did there – what fighting he was there engaged in – it is not for me to say. All I need remark, for your time is precious, is that it shows much patriotism, and loyalty, and devotion to duty, and should have a stimulating effect on volunteering. The number of soldiers and sailors connected with Orkney, who have taken part in this campaign – several of whom have fallen – is considerable. All honour, therefore, to those who have cheerfully and willingly placed their lives at the nation’s disposal. I hope Mr McNEILL will treasure the cup which I now hand him, and that it will descend to be an heirloom to many generations of the McNeill clan. On the call of Colonel Bailey, the volunteers gave three cheers for Trooper McNEILL, and the proceedings terminated.
The cup bears the following inscription: – “South Africa, 1900 – Daniel Frederick McNeill, 10084, 15th
[sic] Company Imperial Yeomanry. Virtus in actione consistit”.
Aberdeen Journal, 11th September 1901
PRESENTATION TO LOVAT SCOUT.
On Wednesday Trooper J.A. BRUCE, one of Lord Lovat’s Scouts, was presented in the Town Hall with a silver cup by Provost Spence. The cup is the gift of their burgh member, Mr Bignold, M.P., and bears a suitable inscription. Trooper BRUCE is a native of Kirkwall, and served his apprenticeship in the post office, afterwards being transferred to Inverness, where he volunteered for South Africa.
Orkney Herald, 16th October 1901
PRESENTATION OF CUP FOR SOUTH AFRICAN SERVICE.
In the Volunteer Hall, Kirkwall, on Friday evening, Colonel Bailey presented Trooper Robt. SINCLAIR, late of the Rhodesian Volunteers, one of the silver cups which Mr Bignold, M.P., is giving to northern volunteers who have served in South Africa. In making the presentation to Trooper SINCLAIR, Colonel Bailey expressed the pleasure and pride he had in doing so. They all knew how the country had sprung to arms and thousands had volunteered for service in South Africa. Some had gone out from among themselves, and that was the third of Mr Bignold’s cups that had come to the county. Trooper SINCLAIR was in South Africa when the war broke out, and he at once volunteered for service. He joined the Rhodesian Field Force and had seen a great deal of service with it. He had also seen service before, for he went through the Bechuanaland Campaign of 1896. Colonel Bailey was proud to remember that Trooper SINCLAIR was one of their own volunteers. Before he left Kirkwall he was a corporal in No. 8 Coy., and no doubt he would say that the volunteering he learned among them had been of use to him on active service. Trooper SINCLAIR was about to return to South Africa, and they all hoped he would pass scatheless through the war. They all desired peace, and he hoped it would not be long postponed. Meantime they were proud of such men as Trooper SINCLAIR who had gallantly upheld the honour of their country in South Africa. He had pleasure in handing Trooper SINCLAIR Mr Bignold’s gift, and trusted he would long be spared to look upon it. (Cheers). In reply, Trooper SINCLAIR asked Colonel Bailey to convey to Mr Bignold his thanks and appreciation of the gift. The knowledge that such men as Mr Bignold were supporting them at home greatly strengthened them in fighting for king and country IN South Africa.
DINGWALL
North Star & Farmers’ Chronicle, 24th October 1901
MR BIGNOLD, M.P., IN DINGWALL.
A HEARTY MEETING
Mr Arthur Bignold, M.P. for the Northern Burghs, addressed a meeting of the electors of Dingwall in the Masonic Hall, on Saturday evening. …….
……. After allowing a short breathing space, the Chairman rose and said that it had been customary at political meetings to put questions to Parliamentary Representatives. If any gentleman had a question to put, he would be very glad to hear it.
A note was handed to Mr Frew containing the following question: – “Why has Mr Bignold given cups and medals to soldiers home from the front in Wick and elsewhere, and not to returned soldiers belonging to the Seaforths”. (Hear, hear, and applause).
Mr Bignold – Mr Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, I am very pleased that the question about the cups and medals has been asked this evening. The question is, “Why have I given cups and medals to the soldiers from the front elsewhere, and not to those in Ross-shire?” Now, the reason I am glad that question has been asked is this – because I have felt I had a grievance against Dingwall. I will tell you what it was. In the other counties in the North they wrote me letting me know when the Volunteers came home, and I have had the greatest pleasure in sending cups and medals to returned volunteers in the Orkneys, in Kirkwall, Wick, and Pulteneytown. I felt that it was a reflection upon me that nobody ever applied to me from Dingwall for medals from me. (Applause). But silver cups have been cast and turned, and they are only waiting for the names of recipients and other particulars. They have never been asked for by Dingwall, and I do hope that in future such negligence will not occur again, and if such brave fellows again return amongst us, you will remember to call on your M.P. in London, or send him a message to look out. (Loud cheers).
North Star & Farmers’ Chronicle, 19th December 1901
There are presently on view in one of the windows of Bailie Frew’s shop a goodly row of beautiful silver cups, being those presented to the members of the 1st Volunteer Seaforth Service Company in Dingwall district by the generous Member of Parliament for the Burghs, Mr Arthur Bignold. On each of the cups – they are ten in number – is inscribed the name of the recipient and on each there is an appropriate motto in Gaelic. Similar cups are to be presented to the Volunteers in other districts.
North Star & Farmers’ Chronicle, 6th February 1902
THE BIGNOLD CUPS.
THE PRESENTATION TO THE DINGWALL VOLUNTEERS.
The beautiful silver cups, given by Mr Bignold, our generous member of Parliament for the Northern Burghs, for presentation to the Dingwall young men who so gallantly went as volunteers to fight their country’s battles in South Africa, are to be presented, in Mr Bignold’s name, by Provost Macrae at the annual assembly of the Dingwall Company 1st V.B. Seaforth Highlanders to be held in the Masonic Hall tomorrow (Friday) night. As will be seen from a report in another part of this paper the Sutherland Volunteers were presented with similar cups at their ball at Dornoch on Friday evening last, the proceedings being most enthusiastic.
Mr Bignold, in thus recognising and showing his appreciation of the bravery of our Volunteers, has not forgotten the local members of the Lovat Scouts, nor has he omitted to honour the memory of the gallant dead, one of the cups bearing the name of Private James MACLENNAN, Maryburgh, who died at the front. Inscribed beneath the names are appropriate mottoes and maxims, in different languages. The cups, which are on exhibition in one of Bailie Frew’s windows, and will be until approaching the hour of presentation, are of solid silver, beautiful shape, and chaste design. They are really handsome trophies of which the recipients may feel justly proud. The saying that has gained currency – that when Mr Bignold does anything he does it well – has again been exemplified in this connection. There is sure to be a big turnout of the Volunteers and their friends tomorrow night, as the presentation ceremony is being looked forward to with a good deal of interest.
Dundee Courier, 10th February 1902
HONOUR TO A LOVAT SCOUT.
Mr Donald ROSS, a member of the staff of Messrs Mitchell, solicitors, Pitlochry, and who had seen seventeen months’ service in South Africa with the first contingent of Lord Lovat’s Scouts, attended with two others of the same corps and the Dingwall members of the Service Company of the 1st Seaforth Highlanders the Volunteer assembly held at Dingwall on Friday night. In the course of the evening Trooper ROSS and his comrades in service present at the assembly were each made the recipients of a very handsome cup, presented by Mr A. Bignold of Lochrosque, M.P. for the Wick Burghs, who takes great interest in and about the affairs of Dingwall and the country. Trooper ROSS belongs to Dingwall, and since coming to Pitlochry has made many friends.
Northern Chronicle, 12th February 1902
INTERESTING FUNCTION AT DINGWALL.
On Friday evening, the annual assembly in connection with the Dingwall Company of Seaforth Highlanders was held in the Masonic Hall, at which there was a large and fashionable assemblage.
…… An interesting feature of the evening’s proceedings was the presentation of thirteen solid silver cups to the Dingwall Service Volunteers and the members of the first company of Lovat Scouts belonging to Dingwall. The cups, which are of plain but chaste design, were the gift of Mr Bignold of Lochrosque, M.P. for the Northern Burghs.
The presentation was made by Provost Macrae, who, addressing the Service Volunteers, said he particularly rejoiced at meeting them once again in his public capacity, and the occasion was one when he should be the medium of handing to them a valuable token of recognition and appreciation of the patriotism they displayed in volunteering for service in the South African campaign to maintain our Imperial supremacy among the nations of the world.
……. This token of recognition and appreciation was from their generous member of Parliament, Mr Bignold of Lochrosque – (cheers) – who, in various ways, of which that was the latest example, had shown a decided interest in his constituents and their friends and all that concerned them – (applause). Mr Bignold had similarly recognised their compatriots, the volunteers in the other burghs comprising the group which formed the Northern Burghs, and who had rendered similar services in the South African campaign – (cheers). Such marks of appreciation of those services were well merited; too much appreciation of them could never be shown – (cheers). The volunteers had indeed by their patriotism and valour imposed upon their fellow citizens a lasting obligation and a lasting duty of gratitude – (applause). As volunteers they would ever feel grateful to Mr Bignold – (applause). And their fellow volunteers would doubtless share the feeling of gratitude – (applause). Every citizen of Dingwall doubtless shared the same feeling of gratitude – (cheers). He felt sure it was the desire of every right-minded person in the community that Mr Bignold might be long spared in health and strength and exercise his generous instincts and his ability and influence, as he now unstintedly did, for the good of his constituents and fellows generally – (cheers). This particular mark of recognition and appreciation took the form of those very handsome cups, which would always remain with them – (cheers). These cups, and the medals to which he had referred, would ever be treasured by them – (cheers). They would be transmitted by them to their descendants, who would be reminded by them of the patriotism, stamina, endurance, fidelity, devotion, and valour of their ancestors – (cheers). In turn their descendants would have their own patriotism strengthened by them, and if at any time the exigencies of the country required their services, they would be stirred by them to emulate their noble example – (cheers). Unhappily one of their number died in hospital in South Africa. He died there for his country as surely as if he had died on the battlefield. They sincerely mourned him. They sympathised with his sorrowing relatives; and they would fain hope and believe that he had in some measure experienced the feelings of the Roman patriot who exclaimed with his dying breath, “It is sweet to die for one’s country” – (applause). In conclusion, the Provost said that Mr Bignold’s generosity also extended to the Dingwall members of the Lovat Scouts, whose gallantry and patriotism were equal to that of the volunteers, and who were not less worthy of recognition and appreciation – (cheers).
The silver cups were thereupon handed to those men who were present, viz.: – Sergeant Hugh ROSS, Privates John MACLENNAN, Donald MENZIES, Donald MUNRO (Volunteers), and Troopers Donald ROSS and James E. ROSS, Lovat Scouts. The other recipients will be Private W. FRASER, Private D. MACLEOD, Private Jas. DINGWALL, Sergt. C.D. MACKENZIE, Drummer E. STENHOUSE, and the realtives of the late Private J. MACLENNAN, Maryburgh, of the Volunteers, and Trooper George A.P. ROSS (son of Colonel Ross). Sergt. Hugh ROSS replied for the Volunteers, and Trooper Donald ROSS for the Scouts. Sergeant ROSS said it would always be a source of pride to them to remember that they took part in the campaign in the Highland Brigade, and under Fighting Mac – (cheers). Of the recipients, four have returned to South Africa, namely, Sergt. C. MACKENZIE, Corpl. D. MACLEOD, and Privates W. FRASER and J. DINGWALL, and one died at the front – Private James MACLENNAN, Maryburgh.
North Star & Farmers’ Chronicle, 13th February 1902
The cups were thirteen in number, and, arranged in a row on the table in front of Provost Macrae looked very handsome. They were of solid silver, and of a very sweet design and shape, and were inscribed with the name and rank of the recipient, the name of the Company, the place and date of service, viz., “South Africa, 1901”, and each bore in addition an appropriate quotation in some of the ancient or modern languages.
Provost Macrae then handed the cups to the men who were present, namely: – Sergeant Hugh ROSS, Privates John MACLENNAN, Donald MENZIES, Donald MUNRO (volunteers), and Troopers Donald ROSS and James E. ROSS, Lovat Scouts. Of the other recipients four have returned to the front, namely: – Sergt. C.D. MACKENZIE, and Privates W. FRASER, D. MACLEOD, and James DINGWALL, while Drummer E. STENHOUSE, and Trooper George A.P. ROSS, were unavoidably absent, the thirteenth being Private J. MACLENNAN, Maryburgh, who died at the front.
DORNOCH
Orcadian, 18th January 1902
We learn that Mr A. Bignold of Lochrosque, M.P. for the Northern Burghs, has forwarded seven silver cups for presentation to the Dornoch members of the Sutherland H.R. Volunteers who volunteered, and were accepted for service in South Africa.
North Star & Farmers’ Chronicle, 6th February 1902
MR BIGNOLD, M.P., AND THE DORNOCH VOLUNTEERS.
PRESENTATION OF THE CUPS.
On the evening of Friday last, the annual ball of the Dornoch Company of the Sutherland Highland Rifle Volunteers was held in the Volunteer Hall, and was largely attended.
Special interest was taken in this year’s ball, as the seven handsome silver cups, given by Mr Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque, M.P. for the Northern Burghs, were presented by Provost Sutherland.
At ten o’clock Captain Mackay, accompanied by Lieutenant Maclachlan, Provost Sutherland, Mrs Taylor, Miss Houston, Mr John Hay Arthur, solicitor, and others took their places on the platform.
Captain Mackay, who presided, called upon Mrs Taylor to present the Company prizes. After these important presentations had been made by Mrs Taylor in a graceful manner, Captain Mackay asked Provost Sutherland to hand over to the recipients Mr Bignold’s cups. The seven recipients were formed up in front of the platform.
……. The Provost then handed a cup to each of the recipients.
The Volunteers’ Thanks.
Private John GRANT, Dornoch, one of the members of the Company who returned from service in South Africa, in returning thanks, said: – Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Men of B Company, Sutherland Highland Rifle Volunteers, Ladies and Gentlemen, – I have been asked to return, on behalf of the recipients, our grateful thanks to our M.P., Mr Bignold, for the very handsome silver cups which he has so kindly given to those members of the Dornoch Company who volunteered for service in South Africa, and have since returned home. I very much regret that the whole of those volunteers are not present tonight, but, as you are no doubt aware, Private Colin MORRISON has again joined for service in South Africa, and that Private William ROSS is now following his trade in Glasgow. I am sure that I express the feelings of my comrades when I say that we deeply deplore that one of those who left with us for South Africa is not here to receive the cup intended for him. I am confident, however, that the relations of Private Alex. MACBEATH will highly prize the cup which has his name engraved on it. (Applause).
……. Mr Bignold has, by giving these beautiful cups, shown us that when we volunteered for service in South Africa for our Queen and our country, we did something which endeared us to our M.P., and proved that we were worthy of the name of Scotchmen. (Loud applause). The cups will be highly prized by the whole of the recipients, and handed down to posterity, which will serve to mark a chapter in the life of each of us of which we need never be ashamed. (Applause). I would ask you, Provost Sutherland, to convey to Mr Bignold our grateful thanks. (Loud cheers).
TAIN
Inverness Courier, 25th February 1902
TAIN VOLUNTEER ASSEMBLY.
PRESENTATION OF CUPS TO SERVICE VOLUNTEERS.
On Friday evening the Tain Company of Seaforth Volunteers held their annual assembly in the Public Hall. The gathering was large, and everything passed off pleasantly. The hall had been beautifully decorated for the occasion, with banners, bannerettes, streamers, tartans, and the Company’s trophies.
……. Special interest was taken in the gathering on account of the presentation of the silver cups, bearing appropriate motto, to the members of A Company, who served in the South African war. The cups were the gift of Mr Bignold, M.P. The presentation was made by Mrs Provost Fowler, in presence of members of the Town Council, who occupied the platform. On lining up in front of the platform, the Service Volunteers were cheered.
Captain Fowler said he had been asked to introduce Mrs Fowler, who was to hand over the cups to the heroes that night. (Applause).
……. These cups he had no doubt would be kept as heirlooms in their families, and handed down from father tom son, along with the medals which they saw them wearing upon their breasts, received from a grateful country; and some day a boy or girl would say, “This cup my grandfather got from his member of Parliament for the part he took in that desperate struggle between Boer and Briton in South Africa”. (Loud applause). The fourth cup to be presented that night was for Mr Matheson CAMERON, who was at present at the front. Mr CAMERON went out with the Yeomanry two years ago, and won his spurs in South Africa, and he was sure all congratulated Mr Cameron and his relatives on his well-earned promotion. Besides these young men who got the cups that night, they must not forget that they had five members of the Company at present serving in South Africa. He was glad to say that Mr Bignold had not forgotten them, for they would get similar cups on their return. He was sure it was the wish of all present that if those young men did not settle in South Africa, they would return safely to their homes. (Cheers). He had great pleasure in calling Mrs Fowler to present the cups.
……. The following are the names of the three members who received cups: – Privates George ROSS, Donald MACKENZIE, and John ROSE. Mr Murray Cameron, Balblair, Edderton, accepted the cup on behalf of his brother, Lieut. CAMERON, who is at present with the Yeomanry in South Africa.
Northern Chronicle, 13th August 1902
ODDFELLOWS’ BAZAAR AT TAIN.
On Friday a highly successful bazaar was held in the Town Hall, Tain, under the auspices of the St Duthus Lodge of Oddfellows, …….
……. A pleasant interlude occurred in the evening, when Private James WILSON, of the Seaforth Volunteer Service Company, was presented with a handsome silver cup, in recognition of his services at the front, the gift of Mr Bignold, M.P. Major H.M. Fraser, in a few happy sentences, asked Mrs Fowler to present the cup, paying her courtesy and zealous interest in the burgh’s welfare a high tribute of praise, and complimenting the recipient on his pluck and patriotism. Mrs Fowler gracefully made the presentation, saying that she had presented all the cups won by the local volunteers, and she considered it a great honour, as well as a great pleasure. Mr Hugh Mackenzie, Mr WILSON’s employer, returned thanks on his behalf, and testified to the sterling character and public spirit of his apprentice. Mr WILSON was much cheered as he left the platform. Later in the evening also Mrs Fowler presented a similar cup to Dr Kennedy, for his son, Private William KENNEDY, who, being still in Africa with the Scottish Horse, was unable to receive it personally. Bailie Macleay introduced Mrs Fowler, and Dr Kennedy suitably acknowledged the presentation on his son’s behalf.
North Star & Farmers’ Chronicle, 27th November 1902
RETURNED WARRIORS HONOURED.
INTERESTING BANQUET AND PRESENTATION AT TAIN.
Now that “grim-visaged war hath smoothed his wrinkled front”, and peace once more reigns supreme in the perturbed South African dominions of His Majesty, the British public, and especially those who are domiciled in the Northern Highlands, are anxious to do honour to the sons of the Empire who have been bravely doing battle for King and country. Than Tain there is not a more loyal or patriotic burgh in the North, and when a proposal was mooted at a meeting of the City Fathers to entertain the returned warriors – regulars and Volunteers – the proposal was taken up with enthusiasm, and the result was the splendid entertainment in the Royal Hotel on Monday night.
……. At this juncture, a pleasing ceremony took place, when Mrs Provost Fowler handed over the silver cups presented by Mr Bignold, M.P., to the last batch of Volunteers who had returned from the front. The recipients of these handsome silver goblets, of chaste design and elaborate workmanship, were two in number – Privates William MACKENZIE and John MATHESON, both of the 1st V.B. Seaforth Highlanders. Mrs Fowler, who was the medium of the presentation, said it was a great honour to her to present the handsome cups given by Mr Bignold, M.P. She had had the honour and pleasure of presenting all the cups which had been given by Mr Bignold to that locality, and she presented these with equal pleasure to their new friends. (Applause).
Private John MATHESON, who is still at the front, was represented by his stepfather, Mr Donald Ross, Edderton, who, on receiving the cup, filled it, and, with a hearty “Slainte”, passed it round the table, beginning with Lord Lovat. The incident caused much amusement.
Orkney Herald, 3rd December 1902
After the meeting at Tain a banquet was held – Provost Fowler presiding – when the local volunteers who have returned from South Africa were presented by Miss
[sic] Fowler, on behalf of Mr Bignold, M.P., with silver cups.
EDDERTON, TAIN
North Star & Farmers’ Chronicle, 3rd July 1902
On Wednesday evening a very successful social meeting was held in the Parish Hall, Edderton, at which the presentation of the Bignold Cups to the Volunteers who have lately returned from the front took place. Mrs Fowler of Mansfield, Tain, made the presentations.
LLL
