THE CURSE OF SCOTLAND.
Why is the nine of diamonds called the “Curse of Scotland”? Probably the most satisfactory explanation is that connected with the massacre of Glencoe. The order for this slaughter was signed by John Dalrymple, Earl of Stair, the the man who was instrumental in bringing about the union between England and Scotland.
The coat of arms of the Dalrymples bore nine lozenges or diamonds on the shield, and it was because of this, according to many students of heraldry, that the expression arose. It is certain that the phrase goes back to 1745, because on October 21st of that year a caricature appeared showing the young Chevalier attempting to lead a herd of bulls across the river Tweed, with the nine of diamonds lying before them.
Another ingenious explanation i-> connected with the theft of Queen Mary's crown, which contained nine diamonds. To replace these a heavy tax, referred to as “the curse of the nine diamonds,” was levied upon the Scot*.
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Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2297, 2 July 1921, Page 1
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166THE CURSE OF SCOTLAND. Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2297, 2 July 1921, Page 1
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