Tartan, tradition, time travel and toast!

Slàinte Mhath from Scottish Keepsakes this May!

“All the sweets of life combine … mirth, music, love and wine” Scottish Toast 

When we approached Carol, founder of Scottish Keepsales to create an exciting and original new gift for our Outlander Inspired WeeBox, she exceeded all our expectations!

She handcrafted a very special piece of Scottish and Outlander history.  Complete with a replica 1700s ‘lucky sixpence’ this bonnie wine charm is perfect for ensuring your glass is always identifiable.  A swatch of Clan Fraser Hunting Weathered tartan attach your very own unique charm, charge your goblet with a dram and drink to your good health – Slàinte Mhath!

Thank you to Carol for a 20% discount on her website. Use CODE: weebox20 and visit www.scottishkeepsakes.co.uk!

We caught up for a wee blether …

Hi Carol, we are very excited about this special gift – what was your inspiration? 

As a passionate Scot and huge Outlander fan, I’ve watched the series (more than once!) and find something new each time that I’d missed previously!

One of the snippets I wasn’t aware of first time round was when Jamie gives Brianna, his daughter, a sixpence coin (a gift from Murtagh) on her Wedding day, and quotes the age-old rhyme:

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue

…..and a silver sixpence in her shoe”

I immediately made a connection with that, since we design a popular range of lucky sixpences!

I then got to thinking ‘what might a sixpence have looked like in the late 1700s when Brianna & Roger were married?’ And so the seed was sown for this gift idea, and it just evolved from there.

What research did you do?

Having read a few articles online, I found a very old image of an 18th century sixpence coin. I then had a conversation with a local coin dealer who was able to give me some background on the significance of the emblems and markings on the coin. From this combination, I put together a sketch. The manufacturer we use for our lapel pins was then able to make an exact replica of this ancient sixpence coin. 

What have you learned about Outlander or Scottish history during the process?

It has probably reinforced to me just how harsh, cruel, intense and dangerous life was for people living in conflict in Scotland in the 18th Century! The Jacobites were so passionate in their cause and had to be constantly on alert, quick-witted, brave and resourceful! When I visited Culloden Moor, the stillness and feeling of sadness were palpable….

However, the cleverly-written Outlander storyline, wild romance, brilliant characterisations, the beauty of the Scottish landscape, sharp humour (and, of course, time travel!) all make for a thoroughly immersing, enjoyable and uplifting watch…..and did I mention obsessive?? 

What is the significance behind each component of the charm?

??????? Historically, sixpence coins were given as gift tokens of luck & goodwill and still are today, usually for a Bride on her wedding day.

??????? I’m an avid lover of tartan & tweed (my Aunt was a kilt maker and I wore mine with pride as a youngster)! There are some beautiful fabrics featured in the show. I chose the heavyweight Fraser Hunting Weathered tartan – the unique Outlander tartan made specifically for the show was based on this design. 

??????? As any Outlander will know, you need a gemstone to be able to travel through the stones, hence the addition of a little gem to add some intrigue!

??????? In these days of careful socialisation, it makes good sense to personalise your glass: these drinks charms do so in a unique and stylish way…..also a great conversational topic at dinner parties to impress your guests! 

Bringing Scotland closer with music is our new obsession here at WeeBox HQ!  Could you share some of your favourite Outlander-related tracks for our May WeeSounds?

Of course!  Here you go:

1.  Fallen through time 

2. Skye boat song.  I used to sing this, amongst others, as a young competitive singer and really love each of the versions in Outlander

3/4. Both of the marriage themes, Jamie & Claire – ‘The Wedding’ and Roger & Brianna – ‘The Handfasting’

5. ‘A Highland lad my love was born’ also known as ‘The ‘White Cockade’ – not from the Outlander soundtrack, but it is pertaining to the Jacobite era and, again, I used to sing this song

You can listen to Carol’s choices and more here:

How do you enjoy working with us and sharing your gifts with the WeeBox Clan?

We’ve known Amy for a few years now and have collaborated on several gift items for the WeeBox Clan.

Amy is an absolute joy to work with and has been very supportive of Scottish Keepsakes. We both share a genuine passion and vision for our Scottish businesses and her enthusiasm is infectious! WeeBox sources fantastic themed gifts for their subscribers and it’s so exciting to know that our products, along with other niche suppliers, are being appreciated by Scots and Scots-at-heart right across the globe. We hope our bond with Amy will continue to bring more Scottish happiness to the WeeBox Clan!

Carol, Scottish Keepsakes