Scotland and the Scottish Diaspora
"It's part of me, Scotland. I'm still immersed in it even though I am not there." -- Irvine Welsh (1958 - ), Scots novelist, short story writer, playwright, author of Trainspotting among many other works).
All my life I have been interested in the history of Scotland and the profound consequences of the Scottish diaspora throughout the world. Scotland and the Scots are appealing in so many ways -- the beauty of the land- and seascapes, the food and drink, the extraordinarily resourceful and creative people, the dramatic history from antiquity to the present, the great literature and history and philosophy and religion. The subjects are themselves enough to inspire writing, but there is great satisfaction in the fact that the Scots have lived up to the subjects on their own writ.
Over many years I have researched the history of Cumberland Valley, and I have often talked about the Scots, the Scots-Irish, and the settlement of this part of the New World by these willing and not-so-willing exiles. In recognition of the history and significance of the Scots to our area, I fly the Saltire and carry these books and cds. I am always on the lookout for more.
P.S. Due to listing limitations, I have moved Ian Rankin and Denise Mina, two fine writers of the Scots Noir movement, over to our International Mystery page.
The Teeger that Cam for his Tea
The Teeger that Cam for his Tea
There's a chap at the door jist as Sophie an her mum are sittin doon for their tea. What could it be? They dinna think it's a furry, strippit teeger -- that's for shair!
Translated into Scots by Susan Rennie.
Now celebrating its 50th roaring anniversary, The Tiger Who Came to Tea is available for the first time in Scots. Join Sophie and the teeger as the gowp hail plates o scones, pieces an shortbreid in ae muckle gollop!
Judith Kerr OBE is one of the most beloved creators of children’s books in the world. Her classic books including The Tiger Who Came to Tea and Mog the Forgetful Cat have been loved by generations and translated into many languages.
Susan Rennie lectures on the history of Scots and lexicography at Glasgow University. A renowned Scots language expert, she is a co-founder of Scots language publisher Itchy Coo and author of several Scots language books for children.