Details the adventures and achievements during the 16th and 17th centuries of not only Scottish individuals, but in some instances entire Scottish regiments. More than 40,000 Scottish soldiers were in action on the continent during this era. Their stories were omitted from most Scottish histories. Scotsmen trained the armies and founded the fleets of Russia. For generations the old Scots Brigade of immortal memory was the boasted 'Bulwark of Holland'. Second to none in war and glory were the Scottish guard of the French Kings-that guard of which only four were left alive when Francis I gave...

Claymore for hire-the story of the Scottish mercenary
There have always been mercenaries and some nations have a better temperament for the trade than others. Mercenaries, both historically and present day, have tended to be hardy men from mountainous, uncompromising countries and climates. In an age of families which expected to have numerous sons to ensure a continuation of the line, 'young gentlemen' of the Quentin Durward variety often took to the sword to make their way in the world. The Scots have always been attracted to the mercenary life-especially at times when there was no...

Claymore for hire-the story of the Scottish mercenary
There have always been mercenaries and some nations have a better temperament for the trade than others. Mercenaries, both historically and present day, have tended to be hardy men from mountainous, uncompromising countries and climates. In an age of families which expected to have numerous sons to ensure a continuation of the line, 'young gentlemen' of the Quentin Durward variety often took to the sword to make their way in the world. The Scots have always been attracted to the mercenary life-especially at times when there was no war...

Drawing on his extensive overseas and Australian experience of parish life, Fr James Grant shows that, despite rising secularism and religious apathy in the West, there is no need for priests and parishioners to accept an inevitable decline in parish life and activity. His key insight is that churches have to move with the time while staying true to their core beliefs. This does not mean reading the zeitgeist of passing fashions or pursuing political causes from the pulpit. Many traditional faith brands such as Methodism and Presbyterianism have virtually disappeared, while erstwhile pillars...