SFU Research Centre for Scottish Studies

On this day in 1515, Mary of Guise (Marie de Guise) was born. Famously known as the mother of Mary, Queen of Scots and the wife of James V of Scotland, Mary of Guise had an eventful life of her own.
For example, did you know she dismissed a marriage proposal by Henry VIII saying, "I may be a big woman, but I have a very little neck." She was, indeed, very tall -- standing at almost 6 feet.
Learn more.

Not Just Another Mary! The Life of Mary of Guise — Linlithgow Museum As a Royal Burgh, here in Linlithgow we are famous for being the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, and her father, James V. However, amongst this, we tend to forget the notorious mother and wife of these famous Scottish monarchs, Mary of Guise.

How much of Shakespeare’s "Macbeth" is rooted in real history?

This TED-Ed video looks at the 11th-century Scottish king who inspired the play, exploring how historical accounts of power, succession, and conflict were transformed into one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies.

Watch the video.

The murderous medieval king who inspired "Macbeth" - Benjamin Hudson Dig into the history that inspired Shakespeare’s tragedy, “Macbeth,...

Check out this poem, composed by Peter MacKay and Scottish citizens, in celebration of the national men’s team who will be at the World Cup finals this month.

Gie it laldy - Scotland dreams of the World Cup You sent in your lines, your hopes, your dreams and our Makar got tae work on them. After much jiggling them aboot here it is. Our World Cup poem. By the people of Scotland!

SFU Pipe Band - Return to Barra Medley - Victoria Highland Games 2026 Saturday Tunes:Return to Barra GlentruimLieutenant Colonel D. J. S. MurrayLough Erin ShoreThe Warthog WaltzIn and Out the HarbourTraditionalLumsden's Rant

Today we are going to discuss all things ceilidh:
-What's the history behind it?
-What traditional dances should you know?
-What should you wear?
Discover the answers to these questions and more:

What Is Scottish Ceilidh? (History of Ceilidh Dancing & Music) Ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee) is a Scottish Gaelic word that means "gathering" or "party," and it's a traditional form of social gathering that has been an integral part of Scottish culture for centuries.

What do you know about Scotland's Makar, Pàdraig MacAoidh [Peter Mackay]? Check out the Scottish Poetry Library's page to learn more about Mackay, watch two of his poetry recitations, and listen to two podcast episodes.

Scotland's Makar - Our National Poet National Poet of Scotland

Congratulations to our director, Professor Leith Davis, on this great honour!

Congratulations to Professor Leith Davis who has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (RHS). With a 150-year-history, the RHS is the United Kingdom's largest membership organization for historians. Learn more about Prof. Davis' achievement.
https://royalhistsoc.org/society-elects-386-new-fellows-associate-fellows-members-and-postgraduate-members/

"While pinned to my bed during the first months of war and compelled to keep my mind off too tragic realities, I gave myself to stories of adventure." (John Buchan, author of "The Thirty-Nine Steps") Learn more about the writer of this classic thriller, and former Governor General of Canada.

John Buchan and 'The Thirty-Nine Steps' | National Library of Scotland Learn about Scottish writer John Buchan and his famous spry thriller novel 'The Thirty-Nine Steps'. The novel also became a successful Alfred Hitchcock film.

Congratulations to Professor Marissa Nicosia on this exciting new publication!
We’ve featured Prof. Nicosia on this page many times for her fascinating work bringing historical Scottish recipes—like “Jaculat Milk”—to life through her project Cooking in the Archives.
SFU English and our director, Professor Leith Davis, were also pleased to host a virtual event with Prof. Nicosia several years ago. We’re always glad to celebrate her scholarship and creativity—congratulations again!

Shakespeare in the Kitchen is officially published today!!!! Marissa Nicosia Thank you to everyone how has supported my Cooking in the Archives research over the years & made this book possible. (The discount code 26AFLY1 is still live & the paperback or eBook are the way to go.) 📸 of the Pear Pie recipe from my chapter on The Winter's Tale by Neon Velvet Studio
https://www.routledge.com/Shakespeare-in-the-Kitchen/Nicosia/p/book/9781032043951

Aberdeen’s musical legacy shines through Songs and Fancies — Scotland’s first printed book of secular music! 🎶 Published by John Forbes in the 1600s, it celebrates the city’s huge impact on Scottish music and culture. From the famed Aberdeen Musick School to centuries of creativity, its influence still resonates today.
Learn more.

'Song and Fancies' | National Library of Scotland Read how Aberdeen’s 17th-century songbooks and ballads shaped Scotland’s soundscape, echoing through history in voices and print.