"A fun introduction to traditional Highland Games...an informative guide for young readers and a wonderfully illustrated keepsake for all" Scottish Games Association (governing body of Highland Games)

A new departure in Scottish and Irish migration studiesThe Scottish diasporic communities closest to home-those which are part of what we sometimes term the 'near Diaspora'-are those we know least about. Whilst an interest in the overseas Scottish diaspora has grown in recent years, Scots who chose to settle in other parts of the United Kingdom have been largely neglected. This book addresses this imbalance.Scots travelled freely around the industrial centres of northern Britain throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and Belfast was one of the most important ports of call for thousands of Scots. The Scots played key roles in shaping Belfast society in the modern period: they were essential to its industrial development; they were at the centre of many cultural, philanthropic and religious initiatives and were welcomed by the host community accordingly.Yet despite their obvious significance, in staunchly Protestant, Unionist, and at times insular and ill at ease Belfast, individual Scots could be viewed with suspicion by their hosts, dismissed as 'strangers' and cast in the role of interfering outsiders.Key FeaturesThe only book-length scholarly study of the Scots in modern Ireland.Brings to light the fundamental importance of Scottish migration to Belfast society during the nineteenth century.Advances our knowledge and understanding of Scotland's 'near diaspora.'Highlights areas of tension in Ulster-Scottish relations during the Home Rule era.Puts forward a new agenda for a better understanding of British in-migration to Ireland in the modern period.

Meyer addresses himself principally to two questions. Why did many thousands of Scottish Highlanders emigrate to America in the eighteenth century, and why did the majority of them rally to the defense of the Crown. . . . Offers the most complete and intelligent analysis of them that has so far appeared.--William and Mary Quarterly Using a variety of original sources -- official papers, travel documents, diaries, and newspapers -- Duane Meyer presents an impressively complete reconstruction of the settlement of the Highlanders in North Carolina. He examines their motives for migration, their life in America, and their curious political allegiance to George III.

Love on the Links American attorney Julie Leonard has come to Scotland on a working holiday, determined to improve her golf game and earn a leg up in the judgeship sweepstakes. Former pro golfer Niall Cromarty pulls the short straw for the job of being Julie's golf coach, though he has no patience for people driven by blind ambition. As if a stubborn lady lawyer weren't enough trouble, Niall's neighbor-turned-nemesis, Declan MacPherson, has finally found an old Last Will and Testament that could wreck Niall's plans to expand his golf course. Julie thought she wanted to wear that black judicial robe, but when Niall and Declan ask her to resolve their land dispute, Julie realizes she'd rather wear Niall's ring. Will she steal Niall's dream, or will he fulfill hers? My Heartthrob's in the Highlands Megan Leonard travels to Scotland to arrange the flowers for her sister's wedding, though it's crunch time for Megan's business, with the loan that will allow her to buy a second flower shop nearing approval. Best man Declan MacPherson is a Scottish farmer who strikes Megan as married to the land he works so diligently, despite his enthusiasm for Megan's company during the wedding preparations. Megan and Declan's interest blossoms into romance, but one of them will have to give up everything they've ever worked for if that romance is to have a happily ever after. Can true love put down roots in Scotland, or will the maid of honor return home without her best Scotsman?

Calgarron is the story of one mans life from boy to warrior to lover to husband and father. Set to the background of the Japanese invasion of the Malay Peninsula and the Second World War, his fast-paced novel moves through Asia, Australia, USA, and Europe. War brings injury, friendship, and love, but his family secrets shatter his life and grip on reality. Lavinia Calgarron looked down at her son fast asleep in his bed. The last hundred years war had ravished not only her own family but especially the Calgarron family. Lavinia had lost her husband during the First World War, and now deep into the Second World War, the only Calgarron left lay wounded in a bed in Darwin hospital. He was the captain of a destroyer and had returned in triumph from a rescue mission on Timor but in the process had broken his leg. Lewis Calgarron lay sleeping; he was thinking of Sophie, the woman he loved. They had met under such unusual circumstances thrown together by war. She had lost everything; he had lost estates, wealth, and status because of the war with Japan. He needed to build back that fortune, and he felt under self-applied pressure to produce an heir to carry the dynasty forward. He was determined to not only win the war but to win the peace. Lavinia out! he heard. He opened his eyes and saw his mother standing near the door. Lewis thought he was dead! He smelt her first, that unmistakably scent, her musk. He slowly turned his head and looked deep into Sophies eyes. She smiled at him and whispered, Lewis Calgarron, I love you. He smiled back at her and said, I love you too. Was that my mother?