As Janet Douglas, Lady Glamis was led towards the waiting pyre on that fateful day on July 17th, 1537, her eyes must have fallen upon one in the gathered crowd. Her young son, John Lyon, 7th Lord of Glamis, stood between his captors. Perhaps he called to his mother. Perhaps he hung his head in [...]
The Battle of Bannockburn fought on the 23rd and 24th of June 1314, was a turning point in Scottish History. To a large extent, it was this battle which made Robert the Bruce the legend he is in modern-day Scotland. The Scots were greatly outnumbered and yet they won the day. But what happened at [...]
The Declaration of Arbroath was signed on the 6th of April 1320. Robert the Bruce and a retinue of earls and knights met at Arbroath Abbey to sign the historic document. Not only was this most likely the most important document ever to be signed in Scotland but the ramifications of its ideals were to [...]
Less is known about the life of Sacrist Downie than his death. Some think he may never have existed. Indeed, there is no record of the Sacrist ever having worked at Aberdeen University. Today on the 525th anniversary of the University, we are going to investigate a dark tale of revenge and death! The 10th [...]
When it comes to dark history, Rait Castle has it all: a tale of forbidden love, two feuding families, a banquet treacherously planned with murder in mind, a betrayal, a massacre and a ghost known as the ‘Wraith of Rait’. The ruined remains of this 14th Century building are a fine example of a Hall [...]