To answer Laurel's question, Whin is Scots for Gorse or Furze (Ulex
Europaeus). It is a spiky shrub which has a yellow flower. There is a
similar plant called the Broom which does not have spikes and may be an
alternative. My first serious encounter with Scots whins came early in my
infantry training on Castle Law Ranges in the Pentland Hills not far from
Rosslyn. During skirmishing I had to take cover. I had the choice of a low
Whin bushes or bare ground covered in sheep manure. I chose the Whin, but
thereafter favoured the Sheep manure. I can therefore confirm its hardiness,
a suitable symbol for the Clan! Those visiting Scotland for Sinclair 2000
will see a great deal of Whin both in Caithness and on the way.
I have put a picture of a whi sprig, such as one would place in one's
headress on my "Connections with Clan Sinclair" page in my website.
The Rowan (Sorbus Aucuparia) is otherwise known as Mountain Ash. There is a
sing called "Rowan Tree" playing in the backround of my Mother's family page
on my website, as a Rowan Tree stood in he Grandmother's garden. The URL is
http://ourworld.cs.com/inslaird/Alice_Laing.htm
For a full description of the Rowan see http://www.botany.com/sorbus.html and
for a picture see
http://project.bio.iastate.edu/trees/campustrees/Sorbus_text.html.
Yours aye
Iain
http://ourworld.cs.com/INSLaird/
[ This is the Sinclair family discussion list, sinclair@mids.org
[ To get off or on the list, see http://www.mids.org/sinclair/list.html