Free Scotland


Book Description

..".not because we didn't like the British, but we love Freedom better. I think all of us have the right to be free." Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, a political prisoner of 15 years in her homeland of Myanmar, said these beautiful words to a very privileged audience of British Army Officer Cadets, and staff, at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) on Friday 26th October 2013. This lady had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991, "for her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights." Her message was very well understood, and received. She delivered an inspirational speech praising the concept of freedom which was eagerly heard by those present, who serve to lead, in a non-political army which defends the right to freedom. A noble cause, indeed. Many have, and will, serve in United Nations missions, under UN Charter which enshrines self-determination. In the audience were many young Scots, some from our Universities Officer Training Corps based in Glasgow, Edinburgh, St Andrews, Dundee, Stirling and Aberdeen. The location and audience were at the very heart of the British Empire, and her opening words above, weren't lost on me during the months before Scotland's first Independence Referendum in 2014. The thought percolated in my mind afterwards, "What if Scotland votes yes to freedom which London then rejects? Would this military audience enforce a political decision from their Westminster government to suppress freedom?" This book, of fiction, was born In June 2017, extremely disturbingly, the UK government appointed the leader of the reactionary right-wing British nationalists in Scotland to a military role with the rank of colonel cancelling immediately the status of a non-political UK army which Daw Aung San Suu Kyi admired. Aung San, father of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, formed a revolutionary army in December 1941 to overthrow imperial British rule in their colony of Burma. His paymasters were the Imperial Japanese Army but in 1944, ..".the British Government announced its intention to grant self-government to Burma within the British Commonwealth... [we discussed] the best method of throwing the Japanese out of the country as the next step toward self-government." Burma became independent on 4 January 1948, but not before the exploited Aung San was murdered by British weapons fired by Burmese collaborators, manipulated by the British, in July 1947 when it became apparent that he wanted full independence for his country, not merely dominion status. La perfide Albion. The inspiration for the fictitious Lieutenant Colonel Sean McAlpin in Free Scotland was found. The ethnic cleansing currently taking place against Rohingyas (in former Burma, now Myanmar) is being carried out by Myanmar military. After 2016 elections parliamentarian, "Than Aung Soe opined: "We will try step by step to reduce the military percentage." Yet doing so will require either the military's consent or a true revolution. And no one should count on the former: ...military commander-in-chief Gen. Min Aung Hlaing emphasized the importance of the Tatmadaw [army] retaining its "leading role in national politics."Are Rohingyans entitled to self-determination from military rule? This book of fiction states all peoples are entitled to self-determination, especially, in the face of military dictatorship.




A History Of Scotland


Book Description

The dramatic story of Scotland - by charismatic television historian, Neil Oliver. Scotland is one of the oldest countries in the world with a vivid and diverse past. Yet the stories and figures that dominate Scottish history - tales of failure, submission, thwarted ambition and tragedy - often badly serve this great nation, overshadowing the rich tapestry of her intricate past. Historian Neil Oliver presents a compelling new portrait of Scottish history, peppered with action, high drama and centuries of turbulence that have helped to shape modern Scotland. Along the way, he takes in iconic landmarks and historic architecture; debunks myths surrounding Scotland's famous sons; recalls forgotten battles; charts the growth of patriotism; and explores recent political developments, capturing Scotland's sense of identity and celebrating her place in the wider world.




William Wallace


Book Description

Discover the story of William Wallace, the Scottish freedom fighter made famous in epic blockbuster Braveheart




Scotland Free or a Desart – The Radical Insurrection of 1820


Book Description

In April 1820 there was a general strike in west-central Scotland that was followed by an armed rising to win workers the right to form trade unions, to vote and for the creation of a Scottish Parliament. After a battle with troops at Bonnymuir, it failed and the leaders, John Baird, Andrew Hardie and James Wilson were executed, and eighteen transported to Australia after show trials held under English Law. This book, using new information, traces the events of and leading to the insurrection, the role of spies and agents in the events, together with a detailed look at the trials, and what became of those transported. It is hoped that on the bicentenary of the Rising, the men who were sacrificed everything for democracy will be given the recognition they have been long denied.




Missionary Baptism & Evangelical Unity


Book Description

The concept of missionary baptism is based on the household baptism of converts and their families described in the New Testament. This is most commonly experienced today in missionary situations, when entire families become Christians. Building on the work of nineteenth-century Scottish theologian William Cunningham, this study explores some implications for the connection between believers’ baptism, infant baptism, baby dedication, and Christian unity, particularly among evangelicals.







The First Book of Discipline


Book Description

The First and Second Books of Discipline were amongst the constitutional foundation documents of the Scottish Reformation, and for four and a half centuries have been relied on to guide the polity of Presbyterian churches around the world. Their scholarly editing and publication a generation ago helped to revive serious study in the Church's constitutional law; and this reprint makes very important material available in a time of immense organisational change in the Church. Rev Dr Marjory A MacLean Deputy Principal Clerk to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland




Scotland


Book Description

Scotland has long had a romantic appeal which has tended to be focused on a few over-dramatized personalities or events, notably Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Highland Clearances - the failures and the sad - though more positively, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce have also got in on the act, because of their heroism in resisting English aggression. This has had its satisfaction, and has certainly been very good for the tourist industry. But, fuelled by the explosion of serious academic studies in the last half-century, there has grown up a keen desire for a better-informed and more satisfying understanding of the Scottish past - and not only in Scotland. The vague use of 'Britain' in books and television series which are in fact about England has begun to provoke adverse comment; there is clearly a growing desire for knowledge about the history of the non-English parts of the British Isles and Eire, already well established in Ireland and becoming increasingly obvious in Scotland and Wales. This book brings together a series of studies by well-established scholars of Scottish history, from Roman times until the present day, and makes the fruits of their research accessible to students and the general reader alike. It offers the opportunity to go beyond the old myths, legends, and romance to the much more rewarding knowledge of why Scotland was a remarkably successful, thriving, and important kingdom, of international renown.




Constituting Scotland


Book Description

Before the independence referendum in 2014, the First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond promised a written constitution for Scotland in the event of a 'Yes' vote. The UK is almost unique in having never adopted a written constitution or other fundamental law. Why did this commitment arise in Scotland?




The Last King of Scotland


Book Description

What would it be like to become Idi Amin's personal physician? Giles Foden's bestselling thriller is the story of a young Scottish doctor drawn into the heart of the Ugandan dictator's surreal and brutal regime. Privy to Amin's thoughts and ambitions, he is both fascinated and appalled. As Uganda plunges into civil chaos he realises action is imperative - but which way should he jump?