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.

While considerable damage, especially to church property, and loss of life were inflicted the invasions were really counter-productive. In fact, far from convincing the Scottish nation of the value of an English alignment, they merely reinforced the bonds with France, as the siege of St Andrews (1546-7) was shortly to confirm.

Source: A Companion to Scottish History, 1989

Here is a famous event you may not recognize.

Shawfield Riots (1725)
In 1712, while the War of the Spanish Succession was still in progress there had been an attempt by the government, contrary to the terms of the Treaty of Union to impose a Malt Tax on Scotland. This had provoked a strong reaction among much of the population, including the Scottish Members of Parliament and in 1713 a bill to repeal the Union was only narrowly defeated in the House of Lords. However, in June 1725, Walpole (1676-1745), as an alternative to an English back bench proposal for the imposition of a hefty tax on Scottish ale, substituted a lighter duty of threepence a bushel on malt. This proved to be a highly unpopular measure throughout Scotland with the most spectacular protest occurring at Shawfield, Glasgow, where the property and residence of Daniel Campbell, (c. 1671-1753) Member of Parliament for Glasgow Burghs was destroyed because of his supposed sympathy with the detested legislation. There followed an ineffective attempt at restoring law and order by troops from the garrison at Dumbarton, which ended with the Glasgow magistrates arresting the commanding officer for allowing his men to fire on the mob.

In fact, what had greatly exacerbated the whole situation was indecisive action by the Scottish executive. Roxburgh (c. 1680-1741) refused to take any action and it was left to the newly appointed Lord Advocate, Duncan Forbes (1680 -1747), to take the initiative. The upshot was the fining of the city of Glasgow in order to provide compensation for Campbell of Shawfield and sentences of transportation being passed against some of the leading rioters. Undoubtedly the significance of the episode, apart from its revelation of certain latent anti-Union sentiment, was the manner in which it underlined the administrative deficiencies created by the abolition of the Privy Council in 1708.

Source: Ferguson, W., Scotland: 1689 to the Present, Oliver & Boyd, 1968.

Now lets look at some specific dates:

1721 - October 2
Government factors were ambushed in Kintail by Jacobite Mackenzies. This event confirmed the view in the South equating Jacobite clans with banditry and disorder.

1733 - October 10
Post due in Edinburgh on this day from London did not arrive because the post-boy, 'being in liquor', fell off his horse..

1620 - October 18
A collection was made in the district on behalf of the young Earl of Sutherland whose family resources were 'much reduced'. It helped put his two brothers through university.

1739 - October 27
The Scots Magazine, said to be the world's oldest popular periodical, made its first appearance.

1882 - October 31
Hallowe'en was celebrated at Balmoral in the traditional manner with a torchlight procession, bonfire and reels, the Queen was in attendance.

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.

Scotland and Ireland are more important than Hollywood.
Emma Thompson, just before the 1992 Hollywood Oscar ceremony

I am the man in the street.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Being British is a faith. I'll never lose it.
Sir Ian MacGregor, Sunday Times 1986

Indeed I come from Scotland, but I cannot help it.
James Boswell on being introduced to Dr. Samuel Johnson

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