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  • Published: 1 October 2008
  • ISBN: 9781845963170
  • Imprint: Mainstream Publishing
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 336
  • RRP: $39.99
Categories:

The Scottish World

A Journey Into the Scottish Diaspora




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 São 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.

  • Published: 1 October 2008
  • ISBN: 9781845963170
  • Imprint: Mainstream Publishing
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 336
  • RRP: $39.99
Categories:

About the author

Billy Kay

Billy Kay was born in Galston, Ayrshire, in 1951 and was educated at Kilmarnock Academy and Edinburgh University. Much of his work has been devoted to creating an awareness of Scottish culture. A writer and presenter for both radio and television, he is also the co-author of Knee Deep in Claret: A Celebration of Wine and Scotland. He lives in Fife.

Also by Billy Kay

See all

Praise for The Scottish World

Full of revelations about the Scottish diaspora overlooked by most historians

Sunday Herald

Kay brings a fresh eye to the impressive legacy of the Scottish diaspora. Every page brings another hero

National Trust Magazine

Intelligent and engaging

The Big Issue

A well-researched study of the real influence Scots have had on the modern world

Scots Independent

Makes clear Scotland's contribution to world history

Sunday Post