KEY DEALS

Scots and the Sea

23 years ago

Published this month, Scots and the Sea is a serious work imbued with astrong sense of history by a former naval officer who was present in Tokyo Harbourfor the Japanese surrender in 1945 and was serving as Assistant Naval Attachein Moscow atthe time of Stalins death.

With over 6,000 miles of rugged coastline, nowhere in Scotland is more than 45 miles from tidal waters and seven of the country’s biggest towns or cities are seaports.

The sea has shaped Scotland and the Scots in turn have helped to shape maritime history, trade and communications.

This book is a compelling account of Scotland’s relationship with the powerful force around it and celebrates the courage of ordinary people who go to sea as well as the brilliance of leaders such as Admiral Cochrane, who helped establish free nations across the globe, serving as admiral of the navies of Chile, Brazil, Greece and Great Britain.

Scoundrels such as Captain Kidd tell the darker side of the same fascinating story.

Scotland’s proud maritime tradition is traced through this volume, which examines the development of trade, the founding of a Scottish merchant navy and the pressures towards Union with England. It explores ports, harbours and shipyards and outlines the vital role Scotland has played in shipbuilding and marine engineering. Also recounted are the exploits and achievements of Scots such as James Watt, William Symington, Henry Bell and Robert Stevenson.

The book also looks into the future, where Scottish research into wave and tidal power could become vital in securing sources of sustainable energy.

Over the years, many Scots have made their living and their fortune from the sea, Others have lost their lives to it. This book is a tribute to them all.

Scots and the Sea
By James D G Davidson.
Published by Mainstream Publishing Co. (Edinburgh) Ltd.
ISBN 1 84018 694 1.
Hardback, 256 pages.
Price £15.99