Making a Martyr of Mary, Queen of Scots
Even when she was imprisoned, Mary, Queen of Scots carefully curated her Catholic image.
Scotland
The ‘Scandal’ of Scotland’s Unmarried Mothers
The high incidence of illegitimate births in rural Scotland was front-page news in the early 1950s. Within two decades, what had once seemed an aberration was increasingly becoming the norm.
Massacre at Glencoe
On 13 February 1692 the Macdonalds of Glencoe were put to the sword by troops loyal to William III. Nobody was held to account.
The Ghosts of Gaelic
Gaelic language and culture in Scotland have a long history, often subsumed by English. Is there hope for their future?
‘Queen James’ by Gareth Russell review
Queen James: The Life and Loves of Britain’s First King by Gareth Russell illuminates the inner life and passions of James VI and I.
James VI and I: Spinning the English Succession
Eager to be first in line, the astute James VI of Scotland responded to the question of the English succession with a war of words.
Searching for the Soul of the Beaver
Are beavers beasts or fish? For medieval philosophers, this was an important question with implications for the dining table.
Robert Fergusson: Scotia’s Bard
The often overlooked life of Robert Fergusson, Edinburgh’s unofficial poet laureate and Scotland’s voice.
The Fight for Mary, Queen of Scots’ Jewels
Who should claim Scotland’s royal jewels? After the forced abdication of Mary, Queen of Scots, the answer was not clear cut.
The Rebirth of Chivalry is Rained Off
On 28 August 1839, the earl of Eglinton hosted a ‘medieval’ tournament to mark Queen Victoria’s coronation. It was a damp squib.