In Byways of Scottish History

Preface: When the author of the following papers came to Scotland, many years ago, he knew nothing of the country that was to become his home, and was hardly less ignorant of its history. To acquire some acquaintance with both he followed the same plan; he began with the highways, as indicated, in the one case, by the advertisements of the railway and steamboat companies, and, in the other, by the works of Tytler and Hill Burton. Before long, however, he learned that the knowledge thus obtained might be pleasantly supplemented by independent excursions off the beaten track. Topographically the result was the discovery of charming bits of scenery, of which he still recalls the picturesque beauty with delight. Historically, too, he found his way into interesting nooks and corners which his early guides had either ignored entirely or contented themselves with referring to in the briefest words. The outcome of some of his explorations - if it be not presumptuous to apply such a term to them - is set forth in the present volume. In venturing to publish it, he is not without a hope that the interest which he has felt in his rambles through some of the byways of Scottish history may, to some extent, be shared by others. ... Contents: Mary, Queen of Scots The Four Marys Mary Fleming Mary Livingston Mary Beton Mary Seton The Song of Mary Stuart Maister Randolphe's Fantasie The First "Stuart" Tragedy and its Author Loretto The Isle of May Edinburgh and Her Patron Saint The Rock of Dumbarton James VI as Statesman and Poet The Invasion of Ailsa Craig The Story of a Ballad - "Kinmont Willie" A Raid on the Wee Cumbrae Riotous Glasgow The Old Scottish Army The Story of the "Long-Tail" Myth