David Gordon : Scotland Magazine

Arms across the Irish sea

The link between Scotland and Ireland is a strong one, never more so than with Ulster. David Gordan looks at the association and its implications worldwide.

The Scots-Irish or Ulster Scots. Whatever name you choose, more than 27 million Americans claim their roots lie in the borders and south west of Scotland, and the townlands of Ulster. They arrived to colonise the north of Ireland before making their way to America, settling in Pennsylvania, West Vi...

Scottish Ancestry from Issue 19 published on 20/3/2005

Scotland is the star of the screen

On the face of it Scotland would seem to provide the perfect backdrop for many Hollywood films. But as David Gordon discovers, it’s not that straight forward

For many people, the only sight or image they have of Scotland is that which is portrayed on the big screen. Normally, it has been a land of heather-clad glens and misty mountains. Sadly, the stars of a number of the biggest films based in the country never actually made it onto Scottish soil. In m...

Scotland on film from Issue 17 published on 29/11/2004

Battlefields and beauty spots

David Gordan highlights some of Scotland’s most famous battle sites

If there is one thing we can say for sure about Scotland’s history it is that it has been one of the most turbulent and violent in the world. Inter clan strife as well as struggles against a long line of invaders has resulted in the land being littered with battlefield sites. Many of these are now...

Scottish Culture from Issue 16 published on 15/9/2004

A history pursued religiously

Unsurprisingly for a country where religion has meant so much, Scotland has some stunning churches. David Gordan visits some of them

Throughout history, Scotland has found itself involved in religion. This important history can be seen in the number and variety of religious buildings and sites throughout the country, from the smallest kirk to the largest cathedral. Here are some of the more interesting ones. Pluscarden Abbey S...

Scottish History from Issue 15 published on 18/7/2004

On the hunt for history

Many of Scotland's historical sites are worth a visit, but whatif you had to pick a select few? David Gordon tries to do just that

Aguide to historical buildings would not be complete without mentioning a certain national symbol situated on a hill in Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle is the most visited attraction in Scotland. The oldest building within the castle walls is St Margarets Chapel, which dates back to the 1100s. The cas...

Scotland's Heritage from Issue 14 published on 2/5/2004

Land of inspiration (Ayrshire)

There's much more to Ayrshire than Robert Bruce - though he is a crucial component. David Gordon reports.

How can one describe Ayrshire? It is historical, picturesque and even inspirational. The spectacular, rugged coastline and its green rolling hills have drawn visitors from all over the world. Many people visit due to the regions links with Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Poet who was born and liv...