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.

ROBERT II (1371-90)

The House of Bruce ended with David II, who was childless.

Robert the Bruce's daughter, Marjorie, married Walter Stewart (the 6th High Steward of Scotland). The name Stewart was a hereditary title bestowed by David I. Marjorie died giving birth to Robert II, the founder of the Stewart dynasty and the grandson of Robert the Bruce. Robert II became King at the age of 54. He had been appointed Guardian of Scotland twice during the reign of David II and was an experienced statesman. Apparently, he was experienced in other things too since he produced 21 children (13 legitmate and 8 illegitimate). His first wife was Elizabeth, the daughter of Sir Adam Mure of Rowallan (9 children) and his second wife was Euphemia, daughter of Hugh, Earl of Ross (4 children). As with his uncle, David II, he did not have the fighting spirit of his grandfather and was a passive person who had a hard time controlling his family or his kingdom. Once again, there was war between England and Scotland. Scotland was assisted by France under the terms of the Auld Alliance.

One son of Robert II was Alexander, the Wolf of Badenoch, whose son abducted the widowed Countess of Mar and assumed the Earldom. Other sons included the Earl of Strathearn and the Earl of Atholl.

Regardless of the weakness of the Crown and the strength of the nobles, Robert II was still the 99th King of Scots (counting from the mythical Fergus).

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.

Seasons, Wind and Weather (cont.)

In the north, on a showery day, you can see the rain, its lovely behaviour over an island - while you stand a mile off in a patch of sun
George Mackay Brown (1921-1996), An Orkney Tapestry

Of a' the airts the wind can blaw,
I dearly like the west,
For there the bonie lassie lives,
The lassie I lo'e best.
Robert Burns (1759-1796), Of A' the Airts the Wind Can Blaw

O wert thou in the cauld blast,
On yonder lea, on yonder lea,
My plaidie to the angry airt,
I'd shelter thee, I'd shelter thee
Robert Burns, O Wert Thou in the Cauld Blast

A uaire a laigheas a'ghaoth, 's maoth gach sian

No weather's ill, if the wind be still

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