The Statutes of Iona 1609

 

On a beautiful sunny day under perfect blue skies, we visited the peaceful island of Iona, where I discovered a plaque to the –

Statutes of Iona of 1609

James VI brought the clan chiefs together for a meeting on Iona. He was the son of Mary Queen of Scots and heir to queen Elizabeth of England – with the Union of the Crowns in 1603.

 

He required that the eldest sons of Highland chiefs be educated in England

 

The Statutes of Iona aimed to civilize the Highlands into English culture and language in order to suppress Gaelic culture, and to bring clan leaders under royal control by making them accountable in Edinburgh. 

 

To eliminate Scottish Memory by outlawing Gaelic bards. 

 Just as had happened in Ireland outlawing Irish Gaelic. 

 

 

Key Aspects of the Statutes of Iona (1609):

·       Education for Heirs: Chiefs had to send their firstborn sons (or other heirs) to be educated in Lowland Scotland.

·       Religious Compliance: Support Protestant ministers and outlaw Gaelic bards (who preserved traditional culture).

·       Royal Control: Chiefs had to appear annually before the Privy Council in Edinburgh to answer for their actions.

·       Goal: To pacify the Highlands, assert royal authority, and assimilate the region into the more "civilized" Lowland Scottish & English culture, reducing the power of the clan system. 

 

Women support Scottish Independence

I noticed in the photos of many far right marches that most protesters were male. Many men today feel angrily disenfranchised by the failed capitalist economic models and the rise of AI. 

There are movements such as ‘Women Against the far Right’ (a woman’s Claim of Right in Scotland 1991)

 

By contrast more women now support Scotland’s independence as they see the chaos, erosion of human rights and a toxic Westminster culture - and also the erosion of women’s rights under Trump’s America – Roe vs Wade. 

 

Plus the rise of Nigel Farage’s Reform party and his far right ideology, against equality and human rights.

A vote of Scotland’s indy is a vote against English nationalism, racism, and narrow ideology. 

People in general want more control over their lies – via improved local governance.

 

A vote for indy is a vote of more progressive policies, for equal rights, and gender just welfare state.

Scotland Maritime Navy and close ties to Denmark

 

Scotland Maritime Navy and close ties to Denmark

 

I attended school near Granton Edinburgh, when I remember we often walked down to the harbour to sketch the wide views over the Forth estuary to Fife. 

 

Across the 15^th and 16^th centuries, Scotland had close ties to Denmark. In the days before trains and cars, the only means of transport was by ship on horseback. 

The Stewart king James IV built his royal dockyard at Newhaven Edinburgh, where he decked his magnificent flagship the Great Michael – which was completed in 1512.

 

(Article When Scottish Maritime enterprise ruled the waves, National November 2025) 

 

James IV flagship the Great Michael