The History of Scotland Magazine
Every month we will feature articles relating to the history of Scotland – famous people, famous battles, famous places etc. These will build over the months into a full and intriguing insight into the history of this ancient land.
You may also be interested in our History of Britain section covering the period from the Act of Union during Queen Anne‘s reign to the modern day.
National Monument of Scotland
Most famously called by its resident architect the “pride and poverty of us Scots”, the National Monument of Scotland is one of the iconic landmarks of Edinburgh…
The Unicorn, National Animal of Scotland
The unicorn: a mystical beast, representing both purity and innocence, power and ferocity, adopted as the national animal of Scotland in the 1300s. The unicorn is also the natural enemy of the lion, adopted by English royalty some 100 years before…
Biography of Mary Queen of Scots
Mary, Queen of Scots is perhaps the best known figure in Scotland’s history. Her life provided tragedy and romance, more dramatic than any legend.
Scotland’s First Railway
Rattling and screeching, the wooden waggon trundles down the track. On top of the wagon sits the brakeman, clutching a lever to press against one of the wooden wheels to slow the train as it approaches the bends at some speed. It is 1722 and this is the first railroad in Scotland, from Tranent to Cockenzie on the East Lothian coast…
Robert ‘Rabbie’ Burns
Robert Burns is the best loved Scottish poet, admired not only for his verse and great love-songs, but also for his character, his high spirits, ‘kirk-defying’, hard drinking and womanising!
Greyfriars Bobby
John Gray joined the Edinburgh Police Force as a night watchman in 1850. To keep him company through the winter nights John took a partner, a diminutive Skye Terrier, called Bobby. Together they became a familiar sight on the cobbled streets of the city.
The Tontine Principle
What could you do in a Tontine? Well, you could buy a cotton mill, a cutter, or a coal mine. In Scotland, tontines were found throughout the country…
The History of Hogmanay
Only one nation in the world can celebrate the New Year or Hogmanay with such revelry and passion – the Scots! But what are the actual origins of Hogmanay, and why should a tall dark stranger be a welcome visitor after midnight?
