In the next chapter of the Scottish history series we take a look at the battle of Harlaw (1411) which was fought between English backed Highlander forces under Donald of Islay, and a Lowland army led by Alexander Stewart, Earl of Mar. The battle saved Aberdeen from being sacked and checked the expansionist policies of…
In the next chapter of the Scottish history series we make a return to Robert the Bruce and the Scottish wars of independence, featuring one of the most significant Scottish victories since the battle of Bannockburn. On the 14th of October 1322, the battle of Old Byland was fought between King Edward II and Robert…
In this weeks instalment of the Scottish History series we take a look at one of the most famous socialist and trade union leaders from Edinburgh who led the Easter Rising in Dublin,1916. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, James Connolly is a particular controversial individual who led a small rebellion in Dublin, Ireland. At the…
In this weeks instalment of the Scottish History series, instead of discussing a particular battle, I would like to give a little detail on some of Scotlands finest military figures. Lieutenant General Sir John Moore During the Penobscot Expedition in the American war of Independence, Sir John Moore established a name for himself while holding…
On this weeks instalment of the Cooper Cottages Scottish History series, we’re going to take a look into the ‘Battle of Killiecrankie (1689)’, one of the first major Scottish victories in the Jacobite Rebellions. Before the Battle in 1688, many of the prominent protestant English magnates had become weary of King James VII’s Catholic…
On our next edition to the Scottish history series, we will be looking into the battle of Flodden in the year 1513. A battle which would turn out to be one of the largest military disasters in Scottish history. Before the Battle The leading events to the battle of Flodden began in the year…
On this next chapter in our Scottish history series I want to travel forward in time from our times with Robert the Bruce and William Wallace to the year 1715, during the Jacobite Rebellions. Before the Battle After the coronation of George I in 1714, much unrest could be found in Scotland as the…
Visitors from all over the world travel to Balquhidder to see the last resting place of Scottish outlaw and hero, Rob Roy MacGregor. Named “Roy” (gaelic Rudh) due to his red beard, MacGregor was a thorn in the side of the establishment of his day, known for cattle rustling and later as an outlaw. He…
Outlander has taken the world by storm since the first series began in 2014. People have been captivated by the romance of Claire and Jamie, making stars of Catriona Balfe and Sam Heughan. Based on the popular series of books by Diana Gabaldon, fans are eagerly awaiting the premiere of Season 6 next week, which…
The sun is peeking through the clouds, daffodils are appearing at the side of the street and Easter is just around the corner. Spring is the perfect season to visit the numerous attractions that Scotland has to offer: from historic sites to museums and parks, here are a few suggestions to help you plan the…