An Gorta Mór, or The Great Hunger, was a time of tragedy, famine, and death for Ireland, however less mentioned is the Gaiseadh a’ bhuntàta. The blight reigned down death and destruction upon the Highlands, but paved the way for a new era in Scotland’s future.
By Andrew Cook
18th and 19th Century Scotland was an era of struggle. The Jacobites...
President Abraham Lincoln is known for many things such as his signature stovepipe hat, his great height, and the Emancipation Proclamation,. But his early life as a champion wrestler comes as a surprise to many - he is even honoured in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame!
By Phil Taylor
Abraham Lincoln might be known for being one the greatest Presidents...
According to the Tale of Ragnar Lodbrok, Ivar's bonelessness was the result of a curse. But he was not an imaginary character in a viking saga; he was a real man who won real battles. History Channel's 'Vikings' recently portrayed him as a cruel, disabled leader. What is myth and what is truth in the tale of Ivar the...
It is one of the most iconic photos of the Pacific War. But the identity of the 'naked gunner' remains a mystery to this day.
By Bev Cleary
He put his own life on the line to save fellow servicemen from the blazing waters of Papua New Guinea but, it seems, the identity of the ‘Naked Gunner’, may never be known.
A...
The unbelievable story of how Pepsi Cola once owned the 6th Largest Navy, but failed to win the cola wars in Eastern Europe.
by James McKean
During the reign of Joseph Stalin, the Soviet Union existed almost entirely free of western influence. Stalin’s U.S.S.R strove for self-sufficiency, meaning minimum effort was put into forming trade relationships with other states.
The Soviet Union’s...
The date of France’s last ever public execution of a prisoner by guillotine will surprise you. The last ever prison execution even more so. This article contains subject-matter and historical footage some readers may find upsetting.
By Angus Wright
When conversations, books or films move towards medieval ages, it is only a matter of time before capital punishment and the guillotine...
Culloden Anniversary 2020 – Ceann-bhliadhna Chùl Lodair 2020
Rare audio of Gaelic songs inspired by the Jacobite cause has been shared online to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Culloden.
On 16th April 1746 a battle took place on Drumossie Moor that would echo around the world. It was here that the Jacobites lost their final stand against Government forces,...
The story of the Lewis Chessmen and why Igor Radulovic believes they do not just represent Scottish history but also a shared European history
By Igor Radulovic
When we look at the history of humankind, and all the civilisations that have existed over thousands of years, we can create a conclusion that there has been no social game with the same...
“One day, this will be yours.” That infamous phrase used by generations of parents and grandparents whenever we make the fatal mistake of hinting that we like something in their house. Whenever we hear this, we have one of two reactions: excitement at the notion of inheriting a precious family heirloom or hesitation as we ponder where in the...
