The Scottish World: A Journey Into the Scottish Diaspora

(Paperback)

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Description

A celebration of Scottish achievement in a global context 'Thaim wi a guid Scots tongue in their heid are fit tae gang ower the warld' In The Scottish World, renowned broadcaster Billy Kay takes us on a global journey of discovery, highlighting the extraordinary influence the Scots have had on communities and cultures on almost every continent. While others have questioned the self-confidence of the Scots, Kay has travelled the world from Bangkok to Brazil, Warsaw to Waikiki and found ringing endorsements for the integrity and intellect, the poetry and passion of the Scottish people in every country he has visited. He expands people's view of Scotland by relating remarkable stories of the wealthy Scottish merchant community in Gdansk; of national geniuses of Scots descent, such as Lermontov in Russia and Grieg in Norway; of an American Civil War blamed on Sir Walter Scott and initiated in the St Andrew's Society of Charleston; of inspirational missionaries in Calabar and Budapest; of Scotch professors establishing football in soccer strongholds such as Barcelona and S o Paulo; of pioneers like Sandeman and Cockburn, and the Scottish roots of many of the great wines of Europe; and of their amazing involvement in liberation movements in Malawi, Chile, Peru, Greece, Corsica and India. The Scottish World is a celebration of the enormous contribution the Scots have made to the modern world.

Reviews

Full of revelations about the Scottish diaspora overlooked by most historians * Sunday Herald *
Makes clear Scotland's contribution to world history * Sunday Post *
A well-researched study of the real influence Scots have had on the modern world * Scots Independent *
Intelligent and engaging * The Big Issue *
Kay brings a fresh eye to the impressive legacy of the Scottish diaspora. Every page brings another hero * National Trust Magazine *

Author Bio

Billy Kay was born in Galston, Ayrshire, in 1951 and studied at Edinburgh University. A writer and presenter for both radio and television, he is also the author of the widely acclaimed Scots- The Mither Tongue.