Glencoe…… Aftershocks…. From ‘Freedom From Torture’…..
by Bernie Bell - 09:39 on 25 November 2023
Glencoe….
We watched a recorded episode of Susan Calman’s ‘Grand Day Out’ in which Susan visited Glencoe.
She arrived, enthused about how beautiful it is - and it is – met up with some bikers who gave her an escort through the Glen and had a lovely time. She never mentioned what happened there – not even a passing reference….
https://www.glencoemuseum.com/massacre-of-glencoe
I was puttering about this – then I was thinking – maybe it’s time to let it go and let Glencoe be what it is? An exceptionally beautiful, magnificent place. I’m not saying to forget the people who died there - some un-easy spirits may still be there – rather, to let Glencoe itself be what it is, not still besmirched by human horror.
When thinking of or visiting Glencoe, to be aware of the pain - and hope for ease to come to any un-easy spirits there. But mainly to see and accept the actual place as what it is.
I’m reminded of the idea of innocent landscapes, which I’ve written of previously….
https://theorkneynews.scot/2019/08/05/innocent-landscapes/
Glencoe, is Glencoe – maybe it’s time to let that that word conjure magnificence and natural power rather than the quarrels of humanity.
It’s something I’ve noticed, that television presenters frequently either gloss over or don’t mention wrong-doing associated with a place as they want the focus to be on the ‘nice’, appealing, visitor-friendly aspects. Susan Calman did this when she visited Dunrobin Castle…
https://theorkneynews.scot/2020/01/15/lest-we-forget/
The difference is ….those castles and mansions - often built on slave trade and/or on the backs of the working people - in my view shouldn’t exist, so it’s worth reminding folk of how they came to be where they are.
A place such as Glencoe simply is – whatever we humans have done there.
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Aftershocks….
Then & Now….
https://earthlogs.org/2023/11/23/aftershocks-of-ancient-earthquakes/
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From ‘Freedom From Torture’…..
“Dear Friend
Survivors of torture who come through our doors have often left everything, and everyone, behind to seek safety in the UK.
And now, they're met with the most hostile UK we've seen for many years - with rising political attacks on refugees.
As CEO of Freedom from Torture - I see a different picture. I see a welcoming country, made up of people like you who take action to ensure that survivors can rebuild their lives in safety.
When you give to a survivor this Christmas, you're not just giving a gift, you're showing them they're welcome. You are family. Bernie, can you give this Christmas?
This Christmas, we're coming together to give survivors vital support - with warm clothing, therapy, translators and so much more. We can ensure survivors have what they need and are not left out in the cold.
Every gift you buy from our shop this Christmas can be life-changing for a survivor of torture. The more gifts you buy, the more survivors we can reach - we are currently unable to help all survivors who are referred to us. But you can help us change that.
Winter Clothes
£26 could buy a box of winter clothes for survivors to give protection from the bitter cold.
Therapy Sessions
£60 could buy a therapy session to help a survivor take the first step towards recovery and rebuilding their life.
Christmas Party
£40 could help pay for a Christmas party so that survivors can feel welcome and celebrate Christmas together as one family.
The UK's hostile environment leaves many torture survivors with very little financial support, and without the right to work. This makes winter a particularly tough time. Survivors often live in inadequate temporary accommodation, with only the clothes they wore when they fled and without the comfort of their family. Nobody should be suffering like this, alone, at Christmas.
Passionate supporters like you are so important to all that we do. I hope you'll be the family a survivor of torture needs this Christmas. Thank you for anything you can give today.
Warm festive wishes,
Sonya Sceats
CEO
Freedom from Torture
BUY THE STORE!
If you’re feeling really generous, you can make someone’s Christmas by buying every gift in our store. That means you’ll give a survivor everything we offer, from therapy sessions, to winter clothes, to travel fare.
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Here’s one I made earlier…. https://theorkneynews.scot/2022/03/09/a-different-kind-of-rock-art-part-eight/
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