This series of emails tells a tale to gladden the hearts of families everywhere. Innes Scot Wight has given me his permission to print them in full and I thank him for that. Read on....

Subj:  "Sir William Lithgow"
Date:  17/01/2002 22:16:06 GMT Standard Time
From:    iswight@wightandsons.com (I.S.WIGHT & SONS TRUCKING LTD.)
To:    IanPEForshaw@aol.com

 Hello,

 I'm wondering if anyone there might be able to assist me.  I am trying to locate "Sir William J Lithgow BT".  I am looking for a current phone number, email address or fax or address etc.

 Our family used to live on Sir William's, Ormsary estate.  My dad, Frank Wight, was his head forester after the war into the early 50's.  I was born there.  Recently my mother passed away and my dad and I are going to bring her home to sprinkle her ashes.  This will be my dad's last visit home, until it's time for me to bring him back, which I have promised to do.  He is now in his late 70's.

 I would like to get in touch with Sir William to see if we might visit, so my dad can see him one more time.  I was raised on stories of the estate and it would be wonderful to visit again and perhaps get a chance to see Sir William after all these years.  Apparently they had many adventures together.

 I have not told my dad that I am making these enquiries because I would like to surprise him if it all works out.  As it is, the journey will be sad for him, but I know if he could visit some of his old comrades it would make him happy.

 If there is anyone there who might be able to help me I would forever appreciate it.

 Thank you kindly.

 Sincerely,

 Innes Scot Wight
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Office (250)246-1593 Home (250)246-2229 Fax (250)246-1474
www.wightandsons.com

I replied:

Hello Innes,

And thank you for your most interesting email and image - what a great company logo! With your permission, I'll post both in the next online Mag. I have, however, been able to do a little digging of my own and, so far, I've come up with the following address:

Sir William J. Lithgow,
Ormsary,
by Lochgilphead
Argyll
Scotland.

I got the address from a bull-breeding website - http://www.highlandsemen.com/m5978.htm

Further, with a little more searching, I came up with this URL: http://www.assc.co.uk/ormsary/index.shtml  I suggest that you email the address and ask if this is the estate owned by Sir William.

It would appear that he also contributed to a book - Ferry Tales of Argyll & the Isles by Walter Weyndling, Sir William Lithgow, Margaret McKay.

Also this at  http://www.argyllandbutesnp.1hwy.com/duncanspage1.html  "Sir William Lithgow, Farmer and Fish Farmer. Founder of Landcatch Ltd based at Ormsary, by Lochgilphead, a key employer in the West Highlands and Islands, and a home grown world centre of excellence in aquaculture added his voice"

Finally, I had a wee look at his company - Landcatch Ltd. - on http://www.landcatch.co.uk/01company.htm  and, when I clicked on the 'Contacts' button, I got the same address as for the Holiday Cottages link earlier on so, I guess that we've found your man!

I've had a great time doing this wee bit of research for you. I don't always spend so much time on a query, but this was real fun. If it all pans out, I hope you'll give me a ride in one of your trucks the next time I'm on Vancouver Island :-]].

All the best to you and yours, and always ca' canny.

Ian

I couldn’t just leave it there – my blood was up – so I emailed the holiday cottages company myself:

To:  101645.1014@compuserve.com

Hello,
Could you tell me, please, if this is the Ormsary estate owned by Sir William Lithgow?
Many thanks,
Ian Forshaw

And I received a reply immediately:

From:    LydiaFreeland@compuserve.com (Lydia Freeland)
To:    IanPEForshaw@aol.com

Ormsary Estate is owned by Sir William Lithgow – can you confirm the nature of your enquiry?

Thank you

L Freeland

I went back to Lydia right away!

To:  LydiaFreeland@compuserve.com

Hello Lydia,

And thank you for your prompt reply. The nature of my enquiry is as follows: I run a website at www.KintyreMag.co.uk  I was contacted by a reader from Vancouver Island with the following request:

…Here I quoted the salient points from Innes’s email….

I thoroughly vet all incoming emails, and this chap was genuine. I was, therefore, trying to assist him.

Once again, thank you for your swift, and helpful, reply.

Kind regards,

Ian Forshaw

I then emailed Innes to advise him of the reply:

To:  iswight@wightandsons.com

Innes,

I emailed the holiday cottage place, and got this reply:

"Ormsary Estate is owned by Sir William Lithgow – can you confirm the nature of your enquiry?
Thank you
L Freeland"

So, I think that answers that. I went back and explained why I wanted the info. No need, now for you to email but, should you wish to, you have a contact point in Lydia.

All the best,

Ian

In the meantime, Lydia had replied to me:

To:    IanPEForshaw@aol.com

 Isn’t technology wonderful

I did receive a enquiry direct from Mr  Wight this morning and will respond direct to him –

Thank you

Lydia

I had to reply to Lydia:

Hello Lydia, - (No reply necessary to this final email)

Yes. Technology is wonderful, and so are you. You have been so kind and thoughtful in replying to the various emails that have come flying out of the blue.

I'm from Campbeltown, although I now live and work in England. I have relations in Lochgilphead - Dan McCormick - so, if I'm ever up in your part of the country, I'll pop in and say hello.

All the very best to you and yours.

Best regards,

Ian

A wee while later, I got this from Innes:

Subj:  Thank you!!

Dear Ian,

I want to thank you ever so much for your help.  I'm sure now I will be able to find Sir William and get my request to him.  As I said in my previous email, I was born in Scotland but when we immigrated to Canada I was very young.  I have not had the chance to return.  I am so looking forward to see and experience the place I've always known as "back home".  One of my favourite stories was when my Mom was about to have me, my dad loaded her into a wee wagon that was pulled by Sir William's tractor.  My dad then fired up the tractor and headed for the closest medical facility, which was in another town.  While on the journey, my mother couldn't wait any longer and I was born at the side of the road.  My dad is going to show me the exact spot when we return.  I guess that was why I was born with the love of heavy equipment and the highway.

I spent most of my adult life in the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police).  I retired early a few years back and started my trucking company.  My company crest I designed based on the lion from our flag and two crossed Scottish Battle Swords.  I was raised on stories of the Clans, the battles, and the pipes. It has served me well.  The Company has been a great success and I am very proud of it.  Canada has been exceptionally good to my family.  One day I hope to return with my own sons and show them where it all started.  I have always felt Scotland pulling me to return.  I know how my parents have missed it.  They moved to Canada to give us a better life, but I know their hearts were always back home.

My parents are exceptional people.  Dad and I are bringing my Moms ashes back to a small beach located near the Castle Balloch on Loch Lomond.  It was there that they courted each other during the war.  It was their secret meeting spot.  My dad carved their initials in a tree on that beach in 1949.   He and mom returned there a few years back and you can still see the marks in the tree.  That is where we intend on laying my mom to rest.  My dad is going to bring his pipes with him and play the lament himself.  Dad was in the Scottish Black Watch during the war and has been a piper his whole life.    I have had the honour of playing with him in several Pipe Bands here in Canada. 

My dad will join her one day, this is something I have promised to do.  The pride and respect I have for my parents is endless.  Their contribution to both countries has been impressive.  Their life truly has been a love story that has spanned two Continents.  They were married 51 years.  Their children and their children's children are now spread across this great Continent of ours.  It broke my heart to lose my mom, but I am honoured to have been chosen to bring her home.

It's wonderful to know that my homeland has people like you there, who are willing to help a complete stranger.  I shall not forget your kindness.  And yes, if you should ever visit Canada, I will be more than happy to give you a ride in one of my trucks!  Our trucks are the largest units legally allowed on Canadian and US highways.  They are 82 feet long and weigh 70 ton when loaded.  They each pull two trailers and are known as Super Trains.  Our island is cradled between both Countries, both within sight, and our trucks switch between both on a daily basis.

Our beautiful island is surrounded by the pacific and we have some of the best salmon fishing and whale watching anywhere in the world.  I'll make sure you catch your fill!

Thank you again Ian, and I will let you know how I make out with Sir William and our pilgrimage home.  You have a new friend in Canada.

Sincerely,

Innes   

I was brought up to be polite, so I emailed Innes:

Subj:  You're welcome

Hello again Innes,

I like a bit of fly fishing so - one of these days, my friend, one of these days! Thank you for saying 'thank you', but there was no real need. We're both blood Scots, and that's good enough for me.

I'm originally from Campbeltown, in Argyll. My father - John (Jack) Forshaw was an Ardrishaig man and my mother  - Margaret Harvey McCormick Forshaw - was born in Lochgilphead to Maggie and Peter McCormick of 57 Argyll Street. I was born in Campbeltown in 1950 and lived there until I left, in the search for work, in 1969. I moved to Peterborough, in Cambridgeshire, England, where I became a labourer on building sites. From there I became, in turn, a storekeeper for a firm which specialised in demountable lorry bodies. I became the steel stores manager. I moved from there into the motor trade where I became a Parts Manager for Volvo, Rolls-Royce, Rootes, Chrysler UK and, finally, Peugeot. In 1995, after redundancy, I applied for a job with the Ministry of Defence where I now work as a tutor. I teach a range of specialist courses on supply for such aircraft as the Jaguar, Tornado, Eurofighter and the 'Fat Albert' - the C130.

I started the Magazine 5 years ago and have never looked back. I have had correspondence with Scots folks, and their descendants, from every corner of the globe. My wife, Helen - who is a Histopathologist - and I have travelled widely, and met many of my correspondents. I have always said to her that I would visit Canada while I still could so, don't be surprised if y'all get an email in a few years time!

All the places mentioned in your wonderful email are old friends to me. When Helen and I take our annual trip to Campbeltown to see my mother, we sometimes stop off at Balloch for a cup of tea. I'm going to do a bit of tree searching next time! We're heading for North Carolina in May, but we'll be hitting Loch Lomondside in September/October.

I understand completely your dad's wish to return to Scotland. In October 2001, I had the honour of scattering the ashes of a Texan lady in the hills above Campbeltown. She had asked me if I would do that in one of her emails to me before she passed on, and I told her that I would be truly honoured to do that for her. Her family were not able to make the trip, so they sent me the urn.

I, too, will go back to Campbeltown when my time comes. There is nothing stronger than the call home to a Scotsman.

Finally, Innes, with your permission, I shall post our emails on the Wee Drams page on the Magazine. There are many folks out there who feel as you do, and would love to read what you have to say.

I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to help you - albeit in a small way - to realise a dream. You too have a friend in the auld country.

All the very best, and ca' canny ma freen',

Ian

And, from Innes:

Hi Ian,

I have emailed all the sites you gave me including Heather.  I'm sure one will pan out.
Yes you have my permission to post whatever you like.  Thanks so much for your reply.
I will keep an eye out for that email of when you decide to come to Canada and I'll get the boat warmed up!!

Take Care,

Innes

Then! A few days later:

Subj: Got an answer!!!

Hi Ian,

I received the following reply from Mrs. Lydia Freeland when I arrived at my office this morning:

“Sir William has asked me to respond to your email - he is away from the
office at the moment. 

He asks that I convey his deepest sympathy to you and your father
at the loss of your mother.

Sir William will be pleased to welcome you and your father at Ormsary.

There is holiday accommodation available which he would be delighted
for you to take advantage of.

Sir William will respond to you direct on his return in the meantime it would be helpful if you could confirm the dates of your proposed visit - I look forward to hearing from you.

regards
Mrs Lydia Freeland
Secretary"

It's all thanks to you Ian!!!!  My dad is going to be so pleased. 

Sincerely,

Innes

And finally, (so far), from me to Innes:

Innes,
Thanks for letting me know, and thanks for letting me share in your happiness.
All the best for now,
Ian

Footnote:

I must say that, if Lydia Freeland's attitude is indicative of the service one can expect from Ormsary Estate Holidays - http://www.assc.co.uk/ormsary/index.shtml - then I'm certainly going to look into booking up there. What a wonderful, kind and helpful lassie. - Ian

Wee Drams  - E-mails, comments, queries and enlightenment from around the world.

Page  2:    A History of the Gilchrists...............continued

Page  3:    Innes Scot Wight - A series of Emails

Page  4:    Flailing in Kintyre  and  From the Archivist's Desk

Page  6:   James MacMurchy - Part 2

Page 7:    By Hill and Shore - Part 1 - Angus Martin