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.

HAMILTON, James Douglas, fourth Duke of (1658-4712). Although a son of the formidable Duchess Anne (1632-1716) he displayed few of his mother's qualities and his whole career was characterized by irresolute and capricious behaviour. This was notably the case during his period as leader of the Country Party between 1702 and 1707 when on two critical occasions in 1706 and 1707 he completely failed to provide the leadership that the opposition was seeking. Thus, in September 1706, having given his support to the proposal that the Scottish Parliament should select its own commissioners for the discussions on the Treaty of Union he suddenly changed his mind and moved that Queen Anne (1665-1714) should undertake this function. Again, in January 1707, at a vital stage in the negotiations, when his support was required for a proposed withdrawal from the assembly by all the members of the opposition, he wavered at the last minute and refused to give the necessary lead. This may have been the result of government pressure on him behind the scenes because of his secret dealings with the Jacobites - he claimed he had severe toothache at one point - but it undoubtedly had the effect of ensuring the collapse of any successful protest against the Union within Scotland. Latterly, before his sudden death in a fatal duel with Lord Mohun (1675-1712), he was at the centre of the dispute over his new peerage. Created Duke of Brandon in 1711 in return for supporting the Tories, the opposition in the Lords proceeded to deny Hamilton the right to an hereditary seat in the House. This caused immense resentment among all sections of the Scottish nobility and had considerable bearing on the subsequent campaign in 1713 to annul the Treaty of Union.

Now lets look at some specific dates:

1802 - October 12
For the first time ladies compete in examinations with male students at St Andrews University, and the women were admitted as medical students to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

1985 - October 15
Argyll girl Karen Matheson (22) was banned from the Annual Mod and branded a professional singer. The rules on amateur status were later clarified.

1889 - October 17
Parisians witnessed a spectacular meeting of Scots athletes and musicians, advertised as a 'Gathering of the Clans'. The event was staged in heavy rain in the grounds of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show.

1882 - October 31
Hallowe' en was celebrated at Balmoral in the traditional manner with 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.