| Description | Letter to Alexander Macdonald of Kepplestone from Sheriff Alexander Nicolson, Advocates' Library, Edinburgh, informing him that he has met Mackay and received Macdonald's introduction from him, glad to have seen him since he had not met him since Mackay was a boy, he then saw some of his drawings at the house of his father, the schoolmaster of Gifford, Nicolson sent him a copy of Ruskin's book for beginners, pleased to have seen him making progress in the exhibitions each year, he is talented and 'a gentle, modest fellow', sorry to have missed Macdonald's visit to Edinburgh recently, Nicolson had been in Skye and the Highlands on a commission for 'the Board of Supervision to inquire into certain violations of the Vaccination Act', pleased with the scenery, which he prefers to the Alps, hopes to be able to accept Macdonald's invitation to visit if his duty takes him north, his vacations always seem to be full, as he is always in arrears with his reports, he is also hoping to go with his friend and neighbour Professor Geikie, whose class he attends, on a geological expedition to Arran, Geikie is also hoping to go to Mull, but Nicolson does not think he will be able to go too, offers to send him a song about the Isle of Skye, and adds some verses 'Concerning Ozone', 1 March 1872 |