Snippets of Scottish History

Discover Scotland > Scottish History

Scotland's history is rich, colourful - and bloody. With so much diversity,
it is difficult to pinpoint what appeals to a wide audience, but I will try.

Scottish history is somewhat addictive, with so many struggles, legends, so much romance, famous and infamous people, it makes for compelling reading.

The beautiful lochs, glens and mountains around Scotland hold many secrets, revealing themselves only to the most avid listener and keen observer.

It was with some hesitation that I decided to write these pages, as there are many more and far better accounts of the subjects I have chosen.

Anyway, I've started now, so hopefully I won't knock you to sleep, or even worse, bore you to death. (Now's a good time to make a coffee).

I have to say right here that I am most definitely not a historian, (I used to find it extremely boring) and to be honest, history was one of my weaker subjects in school. The release of the movie Braveheart, in 1995 was the catalyst for my belated interest in the subject, and since then I have researched what I have found to be some of the most interesting and inspirational periods and episodes in our long eventful history.

Here are some of them :

The Glencoe Massacre, the atrocity of 1692, led to ill feeling between two Scottish Clans for hundreds of years.

William Wallace and Robert the Bruce rightly have their place in Scottish history. Although from the same era, there is some doubt as to whether or not they actually met.

Bonnie Prince Charlie mounted a valiant attempt to reinstate the exiled Stuarts to the throne, but defeat at Culloden saw him become a fugitive. Although forced to flee, he has his place as a hero in Scottish History.

There is more than one story of how the Saltire, believed to be the oldest flag in Europe, came to be the Flag of Scotland.

Greyfriars Bobby is a remarkable true story of the loyalty and devotion of a wee Skye Terrier, that continued long after his masters death.

These are my thoughts, but your journey doesn't have to end here.

Why not indulge yourself in an unforgettable experience, with one of our
fabulous Scotland History Tours and see the true flavour and mystique of the country. Scotland will live in your heart long after you return home.

The Glencoe Massacre .....

The infamous events of 1692 are remembered to this day.

Thirty-eight MacDonalds from the Clan MacDonald of Glencoe were killed by the Campbells, the guests who had accepted their hospitality. It was later revealed that this was not a clan feud.

The blame for the Glencoe Massacre lay with King William, who was the chief signatory to the incident.

This was a significant turning point in Scotland's history because it put paid to any illusion that the monarch served both nations equally.

Read about The Glencoe Massacre

William Wallace .....

Braveheart was an enjoyable movie, but as you would expect in a Hollywood production, fact and fiction were intermingled for dramatic effect, so the truth was somewhat distorted.

An undisputed fact is that Wallace became a kind of freedom fighter, driven by a burning desire to see Scotland become an independent nation.

Premature death as a result of an act of betrayal ended his dream.

Read about William Wallace

Robert the Bruce .....

While Wallace was fighting for Scotland's freedom, Robert the Bruce was fuelled by his personal ambition to rule Scotland, even if it were a province of England.

In a strange quirk of fate Robert the Bruce achieved what Wallace had fought for.

Victory at the battle of Bannockburn in 1314 was his finest hour. He died in 1329 and is buried in Dunfermline Abbey, but his heart lies in an unopened lead casket in Melrose Abbey.

Read about Robert the Bruce

Bonnie Prince Charlie .....

Bonnie Prince Charlie, or The Young Pretender as he was known, raised his standard on the spot where Glenfinnan Monument now stands, to signify the beginning of the Jacobite Rising of 1745.

Flora MacDonald had helped him escape from the Isle of Skye, following his defeat at the Battle of Culloden. He made his way to France, and eventually settled in Rome, where he died in 1788.

Read about Bonnie Prince Charlie

The Saltire - Flag of Scotland .....

The Saltire became the national flag of Scotland in the year 832AD, in the sky above a battlefield near the village of Athelstaneford in East Lothian.

On this occasion the Scots were the invaders as East Lothian was part of the kingdom of Northumbria.

On the eve of the battle, King Angus, who was leading the Scots and Picts, is reported to have had a .....

Read how The Saltire became the Flag of Scotland

The Story of Greyfriars Bobby .....

A heart-rending account of a dog's affection for his master.

Greyfriars Bobby went into Scottish history books over 150 years ago, and to this day his statue is one of the most visited attractions in the city of Edinburgh.

Bobby's loyalty and devotion captured the hearts of the people of Edinburgh, and in 1867, the Lord Provost presented Bobby with a new collar, which is now on display.

Read the Story of Greyfriars Bobby

How the Saltire became the Flag of Scotland is just one of the romantic stories in Scotland's history, there are many.

The Glencoe Massacre is just one of the many military operations mounted during Scotland's struggle for independence.

Scottish history has seen many heroes, William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Bonnie Prince Charlie are just three of them.

Greyfriars Bobby is unique in Scottish History.

Many people visit Scotland, some to trace their ancestry, others to sample the culture and traditions. Whatever the reason for your visit, you will fall in love with the history and the unspoiled beauty of the land.

To our visitors we say "Haste Ye Back"

Profile of Robert Burns
His most famous song "Auld Lang Syne" is sang on Hogmanay all over Scotland, and throughout the world to celebrate the New Year.

Profile of Andrew Carnegie
One of the great men in recent Scottish history, Carnegie became one of the leading industrialists in America in the 19th century. Made a fortune and gave most of it away.

Mystery of Loch Ness
History or legend? Fact or fiction? Scottish history has recorded many "sightings" over the years, of the Monster of Loch Ness, known as "Nessie".

Scotland History Tours
Scotland History Tours deliver a unique taste of Scotland. Feel the romance, follow in the footsteps of past Monarchs, and maybe even trace your ancestors.

See my list of Significant Scottish Dates which includes some sporting 'firsts' and some that proved to be pivotal points in Scotland's history. There is also an unfinished list of some Famous Scots Past & Present.

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