Category: Scotland

500 years, and still lamenting his troubles with women!

Scotlands oldest identifiable printed book (there may be older ones, but this is the oldest to have a date showing) goes on display at the National Library of Scotland today, for one day only. The Complaint of the Black Knight was written by John Lydgate, and 500 years ago today was printed here in Edinburgh.

Dagnammit – I won’t be able to see it – it’s only viewable 10am till 5pm! Oh well, will just have to look at it via the online service The Spread of Scottish Printing…

*Whenever I read these old texts, I thtart thpeaking it in my head with a lithp…pethky interchangeable old “f” and “s”!!*

Does Denmark want them back?

Apparently, the Shetland Islands could not actually be part of Scotland, being pawned to the Scots crown in 1469 as part of a long term loan by King Christian of Denmark, and never intentioned to become a permanent part of Scotland.

Not much chance of succeeding in the case I’d think, but it does give an amusing thought – how much would Denmark have to pay now to clear the debt and get them back?

The Naked Rambler strikes again!

The Naked Ramber, Stephen Gough, has been found guilty of another breach of the peace for refusing to put clothes on, and faces another 4 months in jail, in addition to the 20 months he’s already spent in jail.

Quite a conundrum – the jails are crowded, he’s not physically hurt anyone with his crime (although their eyes and mind might be traumatised by the sight of him!)…but he has committed a crime, and seems happy to continue to do so, until others agree that his habit of not wearing clothes is acceptable, which is highly unlikely to happen.

When is he ever likely to be released? It’s a battle of wills between the courts, and the Rambler…I wonder what the chances of him being released just over the Border, and everyone then turning their backs so they don’t witness his ‘crime’ are? *wink*