The comic representation by Lowlanders of a "Highland" accent can also be found in "The Massacre of MacPherson", of similar date, and "Turnimspike" (i.e. "turnpike") from the eighteenth century. Neil Munro carried it on in his popular "Para Handy" tales. But isn't this kind of singling-out of a particular group for a joke at its expense, albeit mild, the kind of thing we're now expected to disapprove of with justified self-righteousness whenever we get the chance? Just a thought.