‘Everything belonging to the Highlands of Scotland has of late become peculiarly interesting. It is not much above half a century since it was otherwise.’ — Sir Walter Scott
Sir Walter Scott placed the Scottish Highlands on the map of popular tourist destinations. This timeworn work – consisting of the 1816 essay ‘Manners, Customs and History of the Highlanders of Scotland’ and the introduction to his novel Rob Roy, ‘Historical Account of the Clan Mac Gregor’ – helped transform Scottish national identity. Scott shifts the image of the Highlander from a bloodthirsty rebel to a heroic defender of the British Empire. and provides many references to leading figures Scottish history. The Mac Gregors serve as the epitome of the integrity of clanship.
About the author
Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) developed the historical novel genre. Born in Edinburgh, he was fascinated by the border country and devoted much of his writing to the subject of Scotland and her heroes. In fact, he established the Bannatyne Club, which regenerated interest in timeworn Scottish documents. Among his famous works are Ivanhoe and Waverley.