Bonfire Night and the Scottish Connection

Today is 5th of November, which in the UK is Bonfire Night. Bonfire Night commemorates The Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when a group of provincial English Catholics led by Sir Robert Catesby failed to assassinate King James I of England by blowing him up at the State Opening of Parliament.

Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot...

But what does this have to a blog about a book about Scotland? Well, quite simply, James I of England was also James VI of Scotland and many people in England resented being ruled by a Scotsman!

You can find out more about James VI in Scottish Miscellany: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Scotland the Brave, available now from Skyhorse Publishing.