Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 8 on 17/5/2003.

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The great romantic hero

JAMES IRVINE-ROBERTSON EXAMINES THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF A TRULY REMARKABLE SCOT: JAMES GRAHAM, MARQUIS OF MONTROSE

Ileave my soul to God, my service to my prince, my goodwill to my friends, my love and charity to you all.” These were the last words of James Graham, Marquis of Montrose, from the scaffold in Edinburgh in 1650. Handsome, honourable, a poet, philosopher, charismatic leader and a natural genius at warfare, in one year he won six battles for Charles I, destroying army after army that was set against him.

The hushed mob was marking the passing of a glittering cavalier, seen as an enemy by these Lowlanders, but recognised as a man of chivalry who abided by his principles.

But Montrose was more. In an age of small minds, fanaticism and self-interest, his career was motivated by idealism. Anticipating the great political reformers by more than a century, his writings identified the need for the supremacy of the law because that led to stability, tolerance and freedom. Initially he believed this was best achieved through the Kirk and the Covenant, but, when that turned to tyranny, through the monarchy. Once he determined upon this goal, he ignored personal considerations and employed all his talents to achieve it.

Succeeding his father in 1626 at the age of 14, he spent three years on the continent to complete his education. He returned in 1634 with the reputation of being amongst the most accomplished gentlemen of his age. Knowing that duty awaited him, he went to London to offer his services to Charles I. But the Marquis of Hamilton, the king’s chief Scottish advisor, was jealo.....

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By James Irvine Robertson

Section : Scottish Heroes

Page number : 72