I imagine the first question anyone will ask is what is a column called "Scottish Flotsam". I guess we will have to begin with what is "flotsam". Among the definitions of the word are "things washed ashore" or "miscellaneous trifles". Well, we believe you can find some great treasure on the ocean shore. But -- you will never know what you will find or its value. So we decided that is what this column is - flotsam. We wanted a place to put things that didn't fit anywhere else and might be of interest. Each item could be a column itself and might be some day but for now it will be the flotsam, which washes our way.

The first major problem facing Morton (1516 - 1581), once he became Regent in November 1572, was to bring to an end the Civil War that been waged intermittently since 1569. In February 1573, through the good offices of Henry Killigrew (1603), the English ambassador, he was able to organize a conference at Perth with leading supporters of May (1542 -87). Accordingly, as a result of these discussions an agreement was reached on 23 February with representatives of the Huntly-Hamilton faction where by they promised religious conformity, recognized Morton as regent, ended their allegiance to Mary, disbanded their forces and handed over all prisoners and property that they had taken. In return all measures taken against them since June 1567 were to be revoked, they were to have their lands restored and certain individuals, notably Archbishop John Hamilton (1512 - 1571), were to be rehabilitated. Consequently, Morton could now concentrate his efforts on dealing with Kirkcaldy of Grange (1520 - 1573) and Maitland of Lethington (1525 -1573) who with the garrison of Edinburgh Castle formed the last bastion of Marian support in the country.

Hewitt, G. R., Scotland Under Morton, John Donald, 1982.

Now lets look at some specific dates:

1544 - May 4
English invasion force of 11,000 troops under the Earl of Hertford landed at Leith

1917 - May 7
Bill to prohibit use of gaming machines in shops and other premises in Scotland was introduced in the Commons.

1803 - May 16
Glasgow magistrates sought a city executioner. They were anxious to get a ' well-behaved man', the previous incumbent having brought a 'degree of disgrace' to the post.

1544 - May 24
'Battle of the Butts': the forces of the Earl of Arran, Regent of Scotland who favoured an alliance with France defeated the Earl of Lennox at Glasgow's Gallowmuir where archery targets stood.

Source - Scotching the Myths by Jim Hewiston can be found in the History Book Section of Scottish Radiance.

It is time to stop combing the library but we can not quit without some quotes from Quotable Scots another great History bookshelf resident. Let's see what quotes we can find.

America (continued)

Aye, they have a great population, viz., 21 million of the greatest bores that the moon every saw.
David Livingston (1813 - 1873), explorer, letter, September 1852.

I love short trips to New York; to me it is the finest three-day town on earth.
James Cameron, journalist and travel writer, Witness, 1966.

Is math far an saoilear.

It is well to be well thought of.

You can find more articles in the archive under Scottish Flotsam.