History Scotland

Explore centuries of Scottish history and archaeology with fascinating features on topics from all branches and periods of Scottish history and archaeology, written by leading historians, archaeologists and museum curators. With news on the latest research, opinion, expert reviews and spotlights on the country's most significant historical archives, this lavishly-illustrated magazine has everything you need to explore Scotland's rich past.

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History Scotland • Volume 24, Number 4 Autumn 2024

WRITING IN THIS ISSUE

Bannockburn site plans approved, despite opposition

Project launched to preserve knitting traditions

RRS Discovery’s rudder removed for restoration

NEWS IN BRIEF

Musket ball hole discovered at Bannockburn House

STRIKING (MEDIEVAL) GOLD ON THE HEBRIDEAN ISLE OF LISMORE! • Six years of archaeology on Lismore, led by the Lismore Historical Society, have unearthed a significant 7th-10th century monastic site founded by St Moluag.

What does the history of crime tell us? • In the first of a new series, we ask three historians for their perspective on a key social history question.

Discovery of a PROMONTORY SITE AVON GORGE, CHATELHERAULT COUNTRY PARK, HAMILTON • Volunteers in Chatelherault Country Park, South Lanarkshire, discovered a previously unknown promontory site featuring a ditch, causeway and platform. Initial findings have led to further excavations by Clutha Archaeology and Archaeology Scotland, revealing potential man-made structures.

THE MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS SOCIETY

DUGALD CAMERON Devoted father or unscrupulous rogue? • C.F.D Fleming tells the remarkable story of Dugald Cameron, a notorious excise officer whose colourful life, marked by deceit, debt and violence, came to a mysterious end when he died in unknown circumstances in the winter of 1821.

MACHRIHANISH MILESTONES • Dr Bruce Taylor describes how in 1906 a pioneering wireless station at Machrihanish on the Kintyre peninsula achieved two important milestones in the history of radio communications.

THOMAS ST SERFE TURNS 400 • Long overlooked and practically forgotten, Thomas St Serfe (sometimes Sydserff), born four centuries ago this year, nonetheless deserves to be remembers as perhaps the most consequential professional writer of the Restoration period. Dr Jessica Reid investigates the remarkable career of this 17th-century journalist, playwright, satirist and possible spy.

Collecting the CLIMATE CRISIS • Sarah Thomson looks at Edinburgh’s push for a ‘Net Zero’ future, marked by its first Low Emissions Zone, as documented in the National Library of Scotland’s environmental pamphlet collection.

THE STORY OF SCOTLAND & ITS PEOPLE

THE DUTCH ATTACK ON THE FORTH • The Dutch raid on the Firth of Forth in April 1667, one of the final major actions of the Second Anglo-Dutch War, is little remembered today, but at the time it caused enormous shock and fear to the people of Edinburgh and Fife. Dr Colin Helling explores the causes, course and consequences of the attack.

THE GREAT SEA SERPENT • Dave McNicol investigates the history and archaeology of the Great Sea Serpent and the Royal Patent Gymnasium, Edinburgh

WOODLAND WARRIORS • The Canadian Forestry Corps played a crucial role in both World Wars, providing much-needed timber and contributing significantly to the war effort. David McVey looks at their lasting legacy, not only in the forests they managed but also in the deep bonds formed with local communities.

‘One wants you at home to think it’s all heroic and splendid’ Gleanings from the Waring of Lennel papers, part 2 • Completing his two-part study of the Waring of Lennel papers, George MacKenzie explores the deep, multi-faceted impact of the First World War on Lady Clementine...