Surprise! The Scots Have No History.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Well, it is a point of view that I would not altogether disagree with.

The popular perception of Scottish history is shot through with myth and "myth"-information. Trevor-Roper (Lord Dacre) was that most rare sort of gentleman-- an academic historian without bias. I would suggest that reading his book, rather than relying on inflammatory headlines and out of context quotes, should be the order of the day.

The statement regarding the "Hitler diaries" is pretty much off the mark-- There is a book on the subject (sorry, can't remember the title) that casts T-R's authentication of the diaries in a significantly different light. T-R had numerous reservations about the diaries, which the Sunday Time chose to ignore in their publicity campaign to promote the diaries as "authentic".

Again, read the book, not the headlines.

[James MacMillan]

Another important thing to remember is perception and myth do have their place.

Here we are in a place in time where the kilt has evolved into an generally accepted, comfortable mode of dress for modern man. The kilt now has versions that can be worn by the plumber or statesman; casual, dressy, formal etc. With few exceptions we can wear the kilt in any activity.

If myth, misconception and lies have contributed to this - OK.

[walkerk]

"A historian who would convey the truth must lie. Often he must enlarge the truth by diameters, otherwise his reader would not be able to see it."

- Twain

[thescot]

Good thing he passed away. Saves us the trouble of stringing him up.

I am reminded of the queen's treatment of the fellow who murdered James I--Robert Graham assited by Walter Stewart--after the Donnachaidh captured him; that would work.

I won't let the facts get in the way of my opinion.

[Ayin McFye]

I have conducted extensive research, and have it on good authority that Matt Newsome is a fictitious character invented by Hank (the founder of xmarksthescot) to increase his traffic to this site and sell more ad space.

LOL, I think we just need to put you in a lab coat or something and you can do some "doctor's" testomonials on TV.

[Galician]

I can't speak to the literary criticism the book raises, but is there any real conflict as to how he depicts early Highland dress with what Matt Newsome depicts in his piece?

[macwilkin]

I would echo Rathdown's earlier statement that this is a reporter's take on the book and its theory, not the book itself.

T.

[Howard Clark]

Yes, newspapers sometimes, occasionally (heavy sarcasm here) word things just to stir the pot and generate letters and controversy to sell papers.

[Highland Logan]

The Works of Ossian, have long been thought to be fake, and a fraud written by James MacPherson. It fact many of the story's are contradicted by actual historical fact. The Clans use them when it suites them, but even their own histories come into question. The MacLeod's are the result of a human and fairy mix... does that sound plausible? The past Chief of Clan MacLennan, has a genealogy list which has Adam at the start. Myth has long been a component of Scottish history. With the advent of the internet, anyone can write whatever they want a share it with the masses. And before you know it the misinformation, or lie is being passed off as fact all over the world.

Frank Logan

[Nick the DSM]

this article is fubar! fubar i tell you!