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.

Intended to be introduced by Charles I (1600 - 49) at the same time as the Code of Canons in 1636 it was not ready until the following year. Its appearance in St Giles on 23 July 1637 provoked a celebrated riot within the cathedral and widespread protests throughout the country. Although it was meant to replace the existing Book of Common Order in existence since the early days of the Reformation, much of its contents were perfectly acceptable to even the most ultra-Protestants. But there were controversial sections especially those dealing with the communion service or stipulating additional saints days and festivals not to mention certain ambiguous comments about the use of 'ornaments', which the Crown, exercising its royal supremacy, claimed to have the power to prescribe. Moreover, and this was its most unpopular aspect, it had been imposed on the people without the consent of either the General Assembly or Parliament. Therefore, in conjunction with the Code of Canons it provided useful ammunition for all those opposed to Charles I's policies and serious religious dissidence commenced with its introduction. None the less, despite a chequered career with in the post-Reformation Church the Prayer Book survived with the Church of Scotland, albeit in a revised format, until this century.

Dickinson, W. C. and Donaldson, G., eds., A Source Book of Scottish History III, Nelson, 1961
Steveson, D. The Scottish Revolutiion, 1637 - 44 David & Charles, 1973.

Now lets look at some specific dates:

1907 - July 4
Rumours that the king was about to sell Balmoral were officially dismissed, the Royal Family said they were greatly attached to the district.

1249 - July 8
Alexander II, King of Scots, died at Kerrera near Oban while leading an expedition to the Western Isles. Alexander III became king, aged only seven.

1895 - July 17
East coast express train from London to Aberdeen set a new record covering the 540 miles in 10 hours 21 minutes.

1298 - July 26
Stirling in flames as Wallace and his army - defeated a few days before at Falkirk - fled the advancing English forces.

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.

Desire

I have a great desire to make people smile, not laugh. Laughter is too aggressive. People bare their teeth.
Muriel Spark, Times, 1983.

I worry a lot more about sex than my carrer. I did want to be married by now. It must have been wishful thinking.
John Gordon-Sinclair, 1993.

Cha bhi luathas agus grinneas.

Quick and fine don't combine.

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