'Random Ramblings on Scotland's Contribution to Munitions, Sporting Firearms & Ammunitions', Sandy Cormack

Before introducing Sandy Cormack, President Ian Campbell welcomed Graeme Dane who gave a briefing on the proposals to solve the problems presented to Currie Youth Club by the persistent roof failures in their building.

From black powder (gunpowder) developed by the Chinese probably around 1200 AD he took us through the historic firearms designs, firing mechanisms and projectiles which have been used over the centuries. Flintlocks, Percussion Locks, Cordite, Cartridges and Cannon were superbly illustrated and explained.

Names and illustrations of Scottish contributors to firearms development were covered: The Rev. Alexander Forsyth who patented the percussion lock (to improve his duck shooting!), Alexander Henry who developed barrel rifling, James Lee - Bolt System (Lee Enfield Rifles), Sir Charles Ross - Ross Rifles, and James Dewar of Edinburgh University - Cordite and Gun Cotton.

Manufacturing and production in Scotland initially consisted of hand crafted guns and large scale gunpowder production. Roslin Glen Powder Works was one of many powder works and operated from 1800 until 1954.

Production of firearms and explosives increased massively during the two World Wars with ICI taking over from the Nobel company at Ardeer and other locations in the 1920's. Albion Motors, more noted for vehicle production was the manufacturing centre for the Enfield Revolver while the Carron Works produced more than 90,000,000 4lb incendiary bombs during WW2.

Sandy closed his presentation with a slide of amusing everyday expressions derived from firearms history - Drop a Clanger, Going off Half-Cock, etc.

The Club's thanks to Sandy was given by Ian Clarkson.