The Gallowglass were a group of elite mercenary warriors who played a significant role in Irish history. Known for their ferocious fighting skills, the Gallowglass were often hired by Irish chieftains to bolster their armies in times of war and helped turn the tide of battle on many occasions. The origins of the Gallowglass can … More A Brief History of the Gallowglass
At the mouth of the River Clyde, where the river meets the firth, lies Dumbarton Rock. This imposing great chunk of volcanic rock looms large over the surrounding landscape and features an impressive castle. The castle which rests on the rock was originally built by King Alexander II in the 13th century to defend against … More The Kingdom of Alt Clut: The Brittonic Realm in the Heart of ‘Scotland’
On this day in 1824, the Great Fire of Edinburgh began its rampage through the Scottish capital. The fire is believed to have first began in an engraving workshop adjacent to Old Assembly Close, located just off the High Street. Edinburgh’s fledgling fire brigade – which had been established just two months prior to this … More On This Day, 1824: The Great Fire of Edinburgh Erupts
On this day in 1093, King Malcolm III of Scotland was killed during an ill-fated raid in Northumberland. Reigning from the 17th March 1058 until his death, Malcolm had spent most of his upbringing in the North of England – having taken refuge there after the murder of his father Duncan I by Macbeth and … More On This Day, 1093: Malcolm III of Scotland is Killed in Battle
Robert the Bruce is undoubtedly Scotland’s most famous monarch. The warrior king who played a pivotal role leading Scottish resistance against English rule under Edward I, and later his son, Edward II. The subject of many a tale, Robert the Bruce is a fascinating character and a towering figure in Scottish history. Here are five … More Five Facts About Robert the Bruce
In September 1666, the Great Fire of London began its devastating rampage throughout the city. By all accounts, it is the quintessential disaster story, and the plot of this tale wouldn’t seem out of place in a Hollywood blockbuster. From the 2nd of September through to the 5th, the fire decimated London, destroying more than … More On This Day, 1666: The Great Fire of London Erupts
On 10th August 1460, King James III of Scotland was coronated at Kelso Abbey. James inherited the throne from his father, James II, following his death during the siege of Roxburgh Castle just four days prior. He was just a child at the time, and during much of his early reign Scotland was governed by … More This Day in Scottish History: James III of Scotland is Crowned at Kelso Abbey
The Battle of Falkirk, which took place on the 22nd July 1298, is one of the most famous battles of the Scottish Wars of Independence.
The euphoria of victory would be short-lived, however. And at the Battle of Falkirk, Wallace and the Scots would go toe-to-toe with a far different animal to the one they previously encountered on the banks of the River Forth.
… More The Battle of Falkirk : The End of the Beginning
On 19th July 1333, the town of Berwick-upon-Tweed lay under siege. Close to breaking point, the town’s Scottish defenders had agreed to surrender to the besieging English army on 20th July unless a relief force arrived. And in the gloom of the early morning salvation appeared on the horizon. 15,000 Scots under the command of … More The Scottish Disaster at the Battle of Halidon Hill
In 2022, cholera outbreaks in Britain are an issue confined to the history books. Yet in towns and cities across the country during the 19th century, the deadly infection wrought havoc among the population. Fuelled by poor sanitation, overcrowding and a lack of clean water sources cholera spread like wildfire, causing violent cases of vomiting … More The Story of the Aberdeen ‘Cholera Riot’