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…
It’s now December, which means ‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ has started when people are preparing and looking forward to the festive season. Although this festive season will be quite different in comparison to previous years, there are still various things worth looking forward to! Such things involve Christmas shopping for your loved…
With the impressive abilities within our smartphones today, almost everyone has the power to take incredible photographs. You do not always have to own an extortionate DSLR, just a little creativity. Our artistic passion usually presents itself when we escape normality and embark on a magical holiday. Capturing the beauty of our holiday destination to…
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. If you can’t get enough of Outlander then a visit to some of the filming locations in Scotland is surely in order.…
Glencoe is perhaps one of the most infamous glens in Scotland due to the Glencoe Massacre which occurred in 1692. Following the accession to the throne of William III, a royal proclamation declared that the new subjects were to declare their allegiance to the king before 1st January 1692. The MacDonalds did not take this…