Michael Fry: United we stand thanks to two great parliamentarians

But behavioural psychologists tell us not to be deceived by this sort of display, which is only ever one of superficial camaraderie. In Salmond's case we might venture further. I would not have been at all surprised if up his sleeve he had a sharp stiletto to plunge in Clegg's back even while still speaking sweet nothings to his face. Though Salmond desisted - for now - it was perhaps only because the Lib Dems in Scotland are already zombies, dead men walking till the next election lays the remainder of them in an unquiet grave. The nasty surprise for the unsuspecting foe has a long history in Scotland: the Black Dinner, the Massacre of Glencoe. Think again of the capture of William Wallace or Robert Bruce's murder of the Red Comyn, or of how in the time of the Covenant those two great enemies unto death, the Marquis of Argyll and the Marquis of Montrose, were both betrayed, if not by each other. The bolt from the saltire blue as a weapon even in the modern era of constitutional government came to perfection under Henry Dundas in the late 18th century. Called the 'uncrowned king of Scotland' (a jibe at the Jacobites), he was the only previous figure in our political history to have established the sort of dominance that Salmond enjoys today. Dundas's opponents never knew what had hit them either. At the general election of 1796, he won 43 of the 45 Scottish constituencies in existence at that time. Salmond still has a little way to go with the SNP's victories last month in 53 of the 73 first-past-the-post seats, but then he is not finished yet. I am struck by further similarities between Dundas and Salmond. Outward geniality is and was a mark of both men, together with a ruthless intolerance of dissent and the gleeful consignment of enemies to the scrapheap of history. Yet neither is or was totally unforgiving: with good behaviour the repentant outcasts of yesteryear can work their way back into favour, and a helping hand is always extended to youngsters able to meet the hard taskmaster's exacting standards. Off duty Dundas enjoyed drink and women, while Salmond's vice seems to be curries. Both, however, grew fatter than was good for them. The modern global system of interdependence is based on the interaction of almost 200 sovereign states members of the United Nations. There will be no protection of Scotland's interests in the world without that exact same status.

Take a Liberty (Scotland): Alex Salmond's proposed new 'anti ...

Take a Liberty ( Scotland ) has launched a campaign against Alex Salmond’s proposed new ‘anti-sectarian’ laws. A statement and petition (see below) is being circulated around the UK to challenge what Stuart Waiton, from Take a Liberty (Scotland), believes is, ‘an almost unbelievably reactionary and authoritarian proposal’, being put forward by the Scottish government.

No one in their right mind can compalin about positive steps to eradicate sectarianism from Scotland. However, like most Unionists, I'm extremely suspicious about the motives of Roseanna Cunningham and co. For years now, Scottish Unionists / Protestants etc have been demonised by polticians and the media with a bigoted agenda and this bill will only further fuel suspicions, this is another attack on the majority population. The SNP are now playing a very dangerous game and acrrying on the demonisation which Labour started against people with a Protestant ethos. I fear if the present trends and onslaught continues, Scotland could be heading for a very stormy future. Here's hoping Republican Rose thinks again.

Totally agree. This is not a football related issue. This is a damnation of the protestant people of this country. Remember , to win a move away from the Union, the SNP must show appeasement to someone.......................The biggest load of tosh written in Scotland since the Declaration of Arbroath of 1320 which was an act of propaganda by Bruce to get himself back in favour with the Vatican after he had been ex-communicated by them for the murder of the Red Comyn in a chapel in Dumfries

I don't think this has anything to do with a republican or anti-Protestant agenda - it's simply that the Scottish political and media classes have disdain for Old Firm supporters on both sides, and see them as emblematic of old loyalties and divisions they find embarrassing. The proposed legislation has more in common with anti-drinking measures - minimum pricing etc - an attempt to reshape Scottish culture through coercion and demonisation, rather than offering a positive vision of the future that people might choose to buy into.

Although not nearly as institutionalised as in the past there is no doubt that sectarian attitudes do remain a very real social problem in the west of Scotland. However, the problem cannot simply be legislated away - indeed the proposed legislation may even make the problem worse. Social problems like sectarianism need answers that address the underlying social causes. Hence I have signed the petition against what is a stupid law.

History and adventure; or, Stories of remarkable men of all nations, by M.S. Cockayne

MURDER OF THE RED COMYN. 23 being an amicable conversation however — they were rivals for the crown, and two such fiery spirits could scarcely meet in peace ...

The dawn of the constitution, or, The reigns of Henry III and Edward I (A. D. 1216-1307)

One man there was who, now, more than ever, would stand in Brace's way, the Red Comyn of Badenoch,4 the champion ot Balliol's Comyn* cause, and. failing ...

The scholar's history of England ...

One man there was who, now, more than ever, would stand in Bruce 's wa}-. the Red Comyn of Badenoch,4 the champion of Balh'ol's " cause. and, ...

Orcadian sketches; legendary and lyrical pieces

THE DEATH OF THE RED COMYN. It was in the month of February, 1305-6 ; and the English justiciaries appointed by Edward's late regulations for preservation ...

The Philomathesian

The feeling, noble, valorous Comyn burns With hottest vengeance for his country's vrrongt, And waits the fitting time to prove ... BRUCE AND THE RED COMYN. ...