Surprise! The Scots Have No History.

[Jock Scot]

If Scottish Highland culture was an English invention, then why did they outlaw it in 1746? Then how did those 5,000 highlanders lose their lives? What were they fighting for?

This book announcement is just another one of those numb skulls trying to rewrite history for his own benefit.

The true Scottish Highland culture is the invention of no one.Sadly the English,Scots(Sir Walter Scott and James MacPherson to name but two) and a host of other nations have all chipped in with the myth and legand bit, so we are all, probably, guilty of the general historical mis-information that we have in Scotland today. One of the biggest culprits,I suggest, are the less reliable parts of the tourist industry of the last hundred years or so.Oh, and their gullable customers,of course.

As to how reliable this new book is, well, I don't know, as I have not read it.However it seems that the author has suggested that myth,legand and mis-information does play a part in Scottish history, then it sounds as though he is at least trying to be honest.In fact honest enough for me to buy the book and see for myself.I am quite sure that the author, at this present time, is most certainly unable to hear any plaudits,comments good or ill, or gain any financial benefit, from where he is.

[Highland Logan]

If Scottish Highland culture was an English invention, then why did they outlaw it in 1746? Then how did those 5,000 highlanders lose their lives? What were they fighting for?

This question is sort of out of place in this disscusion. They were Jacobites, supporters of the disposed King James. They along with their English counterparts faught to put a Stuart king back on the throne. Most were Scots, although many were forced to arms by the clan system. So I huess in the end you question is perfect, as it highlights the myth which surround the history of Scotland.

Frank

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

If Scottish Highland culture was an English invention, then why did they outlaw it in 1746?

Scottish "culture" wasn't outlawed, although there were draconian measures taken against many of the highland ways, including forcing Highlanders to learn English. Arguably, this was probably to their ultimate benefit as it made integration into 18th century life possible for those highlanders living in even the most remote areas of the Kingdom.

Then how did those 5,000 highlanders lose their lives? What were they fighting for?

Many, if not most of the rank and file, were fighting for no other reason than that their chief told them to do so. Generally the chiefs took to the field in support of what they felt was the rightful heir to the combined thrones of Scotland and England. A few of those hoped, if the rebellion proved successful, to enhance themselves at the expense of their traditional rivals. One wonders how the Duke of Argyll would have faired if the Stuarts had regained the throne.

This book announcement is just another one of those numb skulls trying to rewrite history for his own benefit.

Well, as the author (Hugh Trevor-Roper, Lord Dacre) is dead, and has been for five years, I don't think he'll benefit much from the publication of the book. Those who do read the book will benefit. They will benefit because the ideas proposed by the author, whether they agree with them or not, will cause them to think about their history rather than react to ingrained, self satisfying myths.

I would be interested to know your views on this subject once you've read the book.

[davedove]

There is a relatively new trend in American history to not study the Rebellion/Revolution in a vacuum, but to place it in a more broader Colonial North American context.

I read an article one time (I can't remember where) that described the American Revolution from the English crown's point of view. It was very interesting.

The same place also had a similar article about the Alamo from Santa Anna's point of view.

It's always good to see the other side of the story.

[MACKAY]

There are always three sides to every story. My side. Your side. And the truth.