Scottish History
@scottishhistory.org
Online publication covering Scottish history, heritage and archaeology. Featuring articles, reviews, latest book releases, places to visit, events and more. Published in Ayrshire. Editor: @neilritchie.bsky.social
8 August 1503: 30-year-old James IV married 13-year-old Margaret Tudor, daughter of Henry VII of England, in a ceremony in Holyrood Abbey. The wedding was portrayed as the marriage of the Thistle and the Rose by the Scots poet William Dunbar.
August 8, 2025 at 1:16 PM
8 August 1503: 30-year-old James IV married 13-year-old Margaret Tudor, daughter of Henry VII of England, in a ceremony in Holyrood Abbey. The wedding was portrayed as the marriage of the Thistle and the Rose by the Scots poet William Dunbar.
Police and Army bomb disposal officers with a defused German 1,000 kg parachute mine (Luftmine B) on 18 March 1941. The mine was dropped on Kennedy Street in Glasgow on the night of 13-14 March 1941.
March 18, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Police and Army bomb disposal officers with a defused German 1,000 kg parachute mine (Luftmine B) on 18 March 1941. The mine was dropped on Kennedy Street in Glasgow on the night of 13-14 March 1941.
22 February 1371: The death at Edinburgh Castle of King David II. David was succeeded by his nephew, Robert Stewart as King Robert II, thereby establishing the Stewart dynasty which was destined to govern Scotland for the majority of the subsequent three centuries. (Image: Seal of Robert II).
February 23, 2025 at 1:24 PM
22 February 1371: The death at Edinburgh Castle of King David II. David was succeeded by his nephew, Robert Stewart as King Robert II, thereby establishing the Stewart dynasty which was destined to govern Scotland for the majority of the subsequent three centuries. (Image: Seal of Robert II).
On the night of 20-21 February 1437, James I was murdered by a group of disaffected nobles led by Sir Robert Graham of Kinpont at the Blackfriars monastery in Perth during a failed coup by James's uncle Walter Stewart, Earl of Atholl.
February 21, 2025 at 9:38 AM
On the night of 20-21 February 1437, James I was murdered by a group of disaffected nobles led by Sir Robert Graham of Kinpont at the Blackfriars monastery in Perth during a failed coup by James's uncle Walter Stewart, Earl of Atholl.
On 20 February 1472, Orkney and Shetland officially became part of Scotland and were annexed to the Scottish crown. The islands had been offered up as security for the dowry of Princess Margaret, the prospective wife of James III of Scotland, and daughter of King Christian of Norway and Denmark.
February 20, 2025 at 2:40 PM
On 20 February 1472, Orkney and Shetland officially became part of Scotland and were annexed to the Scottish crown. The islands had been offered up as security for the dowry of Princess Margaret, the prospective wife of James III of Scotland, and daughter of King Christian of Norway and Denmark.
10 February 1567: The murder at Kirk o' Field of Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, the husband of Mary, Queen of Scots. His residence was obliterated by gunpowder, and the bodies of Darnley and his servant were discovered nearby, seemingly having been strangled rather than perished in the explosion.
February 10, 2025 at 8:40 AM
10 February 1567: The murder at Kirk o' Field of Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, the husband of Mary, Queen of Scots. His residence was obliterated by gunpowder, and the bodies of Darnley and his servant were discovered nearby, seemingly having been strangled rather than perished in the explosion.
Canadian sergeant aircrew trained under the Empire Air Training Scheme photographed upon their arrival at Gourock in February 1941. They would go on to serve with the Royal Air Force in the air war over Europe. The training scheme helped ensure a steady supply of trained volunteers for the RAF.
February 4, 2025 at 10:47 AM
Canadian sergeant aircrew trained under the Empire Air Training Scheme photographed upon their arrival at Gourock in February 1941. They would go on to serve with the Royal Air Force in the air war over Europe. The training scheme helped ensure a steady supply of trained volunteers for the RAF.
"Ack-Ack girls" Private M. Methven from Methilhill, Fife and Private M. Holme from Kendal, Westmorland searching the skies for hostile aircraft at a 3.7-inch anti-aircraft battery near Dunfermline in January 1943. IWM (H 26574).
January 29, 2025 at 2:59 PM
"Ack-Ack girls" Private M. Methven from Methilhill, Fife and Private M. Holme from Kendal, Westmorland searching the skies for hostile aircraft at a 3.7-inch anti-aircraft battery near Dunfermline in January 1943. IWM (H 26574).
26 January 1861: The One O'Clock Gun was fired at Edinburgh Castle for the first time. It allowed ships' captains, station masters, and the citizens of Edinburgh to set their watches and clocks. The gun is fired every day at 1300, except on Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day.
January 26, 2025 at 10:24 AM
26 January 1861: The One O'Clock Gun was fired at Edinburgh Castle for the first time. It allowed ships' captains, station masters, and the citizens of Edinburgh to set their watches and clocks. The gun is fired every day at 1300, except on Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day.
21 January 1840: The birth in Hastings, England of pioneering doctor and champion of medical education for women, Sophia Jex-Blake. She played a pivotal role in the movement to grant women access to higher education and would become the first female doctor to practice in Scotland.
January 21, 2025 at 9:40 AM
21 January 1840: The birth in Hastings, England of pioneering doctor and champion of medical education for women, Sophia Jex-Blake. She played a pivotal role in the movement to grant women access to higher education and would become the first female doctor to practice in Scotland.
On 21 January 1890, two test trains, each consisting of three heavy locomotives and 50 wagons loaded with coal, totalling around 1,880 tonnes in weight, were driven slowly side-by-side from South Queensferry onto the newly built Forth Rail Bridge to weight test the structure.
January 21, 2025 at 9:23 AM
On 21 January 1890, two test trains, each consisting of three heavy locomotives and 50 wagons loaded with coal, totalling around 1,880 tonnes in weight, were driven slowly side-by-side from South Queensferry onto the newly built Forth Rail Bridge to weight test the structure.
20 January 1356: The Pretender to the Scottish throne, Edward Balliol, son of King John, relinquished his claim to the Scottish crown to Edward III of England in exchange for an English pension. He had given up after a number of failed attempts at reclaiming his father's lost crown.
January 20, 2025 at 9:28 AM
20 January 1356: The Pretender to the Scottish throne, Edward Balliol, son of King John, relinquished his claim to the Scottish crown to Edward III of England in exchange for an English pension. He had given up after a number of failed attempts at reclaiming his father's lost crown.
In late December 1135, David I launched an invasion of northern England to secure his claims on Cumbrian and Northumbrian lands following the death of Henry I of England. David's invasion was launched ostensibly in support of Henry's daughter and designated successor Matilda (David's niece).
December 31, 2024 at 12:43 PM
In late December 1135, David I launched an invasion of northern England to secure his claims on Cumbrian and Northumbrian lands following the death of Henry I of England. David's invasion was launched ostensibly in support of Henry's daughter and designated successor Matilda (David's niece).
On 28 December 1879, the Tay Rail Bridge collapsed during a windstorm just as a North British Railway (NBR) passenger train travelling from Burntisland to Dundee was crossing over, resulting in the deaths of all aboard.
December 28, 2024 at 3:37 PM
On 28 December 1879, the Tay Rail Bridge collapsed during a windstorm just as a North British Railway (NBR) passenger train travelling from Burntisland to Dundee was crossing over, resulting in the deaths of all aboard.
In December 1318, Robert the Bruce held a parliament at Scone. It came two months after the death of Robert's brother and heir Edward at the battle of Faughart in Ireland and here the nobility recognised Robert Stewart, Robert's grandson, as heir to the throne if the King had no further children.
December 27, 2024 at 9:33 AM
In December 1318, Robert the Bruce held a parliament at Scone. It came two months after the death of Robert's brother and heir Edward at the battle of Faughart in Ireland and here the nobility recognised Robert Stewart, Robert's grandson, as heir to the throne if the King had no further children.
On 24 December 1165, William I (William the Lion) was crowned king of Scots at Scone. The second son of Prince Henry of Scotland and Ada de Warenne, William had ascended to the throne following the death of his older brother Malcolm IV on 9 December 1165. Image: Seal of King William I.
December 24, 2024 at 9:21 PM
On 24 December 1165, William I (William the Lion) was crowned king of Scots at Scone. The second son of Prince Henry of Scotland and Ada de Warenne, William had ascended to the throne following the death of his older brother Malcolm IV on 9 December 1165. Image: Seal of King William I.
14 December 1542: The death of James V of Scotland in Falkland Palace. He was succeeded by his infant daughter Mary. His reign saw the rise of Protestantism in Scotland, expansion of Crown authority in the borders and the western highlands and islands, and conflict with his uncle, Henry VIII.
December 14, 2024 at 3:13 PM
14 December 1542: The death of James V of Scotland in Falkland Palace. He was succeeded by his infant daughter Mary. His reign saw the rise of Protestantism in Scotland, expansion of Crown authority in the borders and the western highlands and islands, and conflict with his uncle, Henry VIII.
Officials gather for a photograph on the opening day of the Glasgow District Subway on 14 December 1896. Initially established as a cable railway, the system was subsequently electrified. It is the third-oldest underground rail transit system globally after London and Budapest. Image: SPT.
December 14, 2024 at 9:24 AM
Officials gather for a photograph on the opening day of the Glasgow District Subway on 14 December 1896. Initially established as a cable railway, the system was subsequently electrified. It is the third-oldest underground rail transit system globally after London and Budapest. Image: SPT.
9 December 1165: The death in Jedburgh Castle of King Malcolm IV at the age of 24. He was the eldest son of Prince Henry of Scotland and his wife Ada de Warenne. Malcolm was succeeded by his younger brother William. Image: Seal of Malcolm IV.
December 9, 2024 at 12:11 PM
9 December 1165: The death in Jedburgh Castle of King Malcolm IV at the age of 24. He was the eldest son of Prince Henry of Scotland and his wife Ada de Warenne. Malcolm was succeeded by his younger brother William. Image: Seal of Malcolm IV.
4 December 1214: The death in Stirling Castle of King William I (The Lion) at the age of 71. William had reigned for 49 years and was succeeded by his son Alexander. Image: Seal of King William.
December 4, 2024 at 9:42 AM
4 December 1214: The death in Stirling Castle of King William I (The Lion) at the age of 71. William had reigned for 49 years and was succeeded by his son Alexander. Image: Seal of King William.
24 November 1440: To secure their influence over the young James II, William Crichton and Sir Alexander Livingston had 16-year-old William Douglas, 6th Earl of Douglas and his younger brother David executed after a banquet at Edinburgh Castle in the event known as the 'Black Dinner'.
November 24, 2024 at 10:43 AM
24 November 1440: To secure their influence over the young James II, William Crichton and Sir Alexander Livingston had 16-year-old William Douglas, 6th Earl of Douglas and his younger brother David executed after a banquet at Edinburgh Castle in the event known as the 'Black Dinner'.
Turbine Steamer Glen Sannox arriving at Ardrossan Harbour in 1926. The vessel was built by William Denny & Bros in Dumbarton for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway's Adrossan to Arran service and was launched in 1925. Photo by Valentine and Sons.
November 21, 2024 at 5:30 PM
Turbine Steamer Glen Sannox arriving at Ardrossan Harbour in 1926. The vessel was built by William Denny & Bros in Dumbarton for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway's Adrossan to Arran service and was launched in 1925. Photo by Valentine and Sons.
19 November 1600: The birth in Dunfermline Palace of the future King Charles I of Scotland, England and Ireland. He was the second son and fourth child of James VI of Scotland and Anne of Denmark. Charles would become heir following the death of his elder brother Henry Frederick in November 1612.
November 19, 2024 at 9:41 AM
19 November 1600: The birth in Dunfermline Palace of the future King Charles I of Scotland, England and Ireland. He was the second son and fourth child of James VI of Scotland and Anne of Denmark. Charles would become heir following the death of his elder brother Henry Frederick in November 1612.
18 November 1870: The first seven female undergraduates studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh were confronted by a large crowd of students who were attempting to prevent them from going in to sit their exams in what became known as the "Surgeons' Hall Riot".
November 18, 2024 at 4:30 PM
18 November 1870: The first seven female undergraduates studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh were confronted by a large crowd of students who were attempting to prevent them from going in to sit their exams in what became known as the "Surgeons' Hall Riot".
16 November 1093: The death in Edinburgh of Margaret of Wessex, Queen consort of Scotland. Margaret is said to have died of grief just 3 days after her husband Malcolm III and her eldest son Edward were killed at the battle of Alnwick on 13 November. She was canonised Saint Margaret in 1250.
November 16, 2024 at 4:04 PM
16 November 1093: The death in Edinburgh of Margaret of Wessex, Queen consort of Scotland. Margaret is said to have died of grief just 3 days after her husband Malcolm III and her eldest son Edward were killed at the battle of Alnwick on 13 November. She was canonised Saint Margaret in 1250.