Edward J. Cowan

Surprisingly, the remarkable story of the Scottish role in the discovery of the Northwest Passage—a long desired trade route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific—has not received a great deal of attention. Northern Lights charts the extensive contribution to Arctic exploration made by the Scots, including significant names, such as John Ross from Stranraer, veteran of three Arctic expeditions; his nephew,...

The Declaration of Arbroath, dated 6 April, 1320, is one of the most remarkable documents to have been produced anywhere in medieval Europe. Signed by 51 Scottish nobles, it confirms Scotland's status as an independent sovereign state with the right to use military action if unjustly attacked. Quoted by many, understood by few, its historical significance has now almost been...