Scotland

20 Year Of Research Led to the Truth about Mary Seacole, the Scottish-Jamaican Nurse and Rebel

Helen Rappaport's biography of Seacole began with a fortuitously discovered portrait, and pushed past the respectability-driven narrative she presented of her own life. 

Obituary: Dr Ian Macdougall, Historian who Recorded the Voices and Experiences of Working People

MacDougall, who has died at the age of 86, was a historian with a deep affection for, curiosity in and understanding of the working men and women who are frequently overlooked when a country’s story is narrated.

A Not-So-Brief History of Scottish Independence

This primer covers Scottish sovereignty from the Roman era to the Jacobite revolts, the 2014 referendum and Brexit.

Fictional History, Patriotism, and the Fight for Scottish Independence

by LuAnn McCracken Fletcher

As promoters of Scotland as a tourist destination continue to embrace “tartan heritage” in an effort to support Scotland’s important tourist industry, they unwittingly reinforce a version of history that serves the purpose of political propaganda, rather than disseminating a nuanced understanding of Scotland’s past. 

In Scottish schools, students will be required to learn about LGBTI history

The move came after a campaign called Time for Inclusive Education presented a series of suggestions to the Scottish government.

2,000-year-old mummy shroud found in museum storage

Museum curators in Scotland have discovered a piece of Egyptian history -- and they found it inside a crumpled up paper bag.

The Lost Arthurian Kingdom of Rheged Discovered in Scotland

The long lost kingdom of Rheged, which dates back to the Dark Ages, may have been unearthed during excavation work at the archeological site of Trusty’s Hill in Scotland.

Could a Movie Help Lead to the Departure of Scotland from the UK?

by Robert Brent Toplin

Remember “Braveheart?” Scotland’s voters certainly have.

1000-year old Viking treasure hoard found in Scotland

"Experts have begun to examine the finds, but it is already clear that this is one of the most significant Viking hoards ever discovered in Scotland."

10 things you (probably) didn’t know about Scottish history

by Emma McFarnon

Scotland has voted to remain in the United Kingdom. The country's future has been fiercely debated in recent weeks, but how much do you know about Scottish history?

Why Scotland should get the government it votes for

by Robert Crawford

National identity is dynamic, not fixed. Democracy is about vigorous debate, about rocking the boat.

Independence for Scotland? An Historical Perspective on the Scottish Referendum

by George Christian

When considered in its historical context, we might view this fall’s independence referendum as part of an ongoing series of adjustments, some by coercion and others by negotiation (often under the threat of coercion), of the relationship between the two countries.

Niall Ferguson and Paul Krugman finally agree on something ... Scotland should remain part of the UK

They're known for a bruising battle, but on Scotland they agree.  

What Does Economic History Tell Us About the Upcoming Scottish Vote?

by S.J. Garland

In looking at the upcoming Referendum for Scottish Independence in September, I cannot help thinking of my grandmother and how she would be weighing her bank balance as much as her heart when it came to the polls.

'Great Train Robber' Ronnie Biggs Dies; Was Famed Fugitive

Ronnie Biggs went to jail for his role in the Great Train Robbery, then lived on the lamb for thirty-six years after busting out.

Fabled King Arthur ‘was a Scottish warlord’

Author Adam Ardrey claims that King Arthur was actually Arthur Mac Aedan.

Viking 'parliament' discovered under parking lot in Scotland

A Viking parliamentary site that dates to the 11th century has been found beneath a parking lot in Scotland.

Call to help transcribe historic Scottish records

Transcribe ScotlandsPlaces will focus on records from 1645 to 1880.

Rare World War One poster collection to go online

A lottery grant has made the digitization project possible.

New excavations to find lost Pictish kingdom

ARCHAEOLOGISTS are planning a major dig to uncover one of the lost Kingdoms of the ancient Picts, the tribe of legendary warriors whose empire stretched from Fife to the Moray Firth before they mysteriously vanished from history.Until recently historians had believed that Fortriu - one of the most powerful Kingdoms of the “painted people” - had been based in Perthshire.But recent research has now placed the Pictish stronghold much further north to the Moray Firth area.And it was revealed today that a team of archaeologists from Aberdeen University are to embark on a series of excavations on the Tarbat peninsula in Ross-shire where archaeologists have already uncovered evidence of the only Pictish monastic settlement found in Scotland to date....