Remarkable Scots: Spotlight, Magnus Linklater

From John Logie Baird’s invention of the television, to Robert Louis Stevenson’s world-famous Treasure Island, it is evident that for centuries Scots have made considerable contributions to politics, science, literature and more. For the past two centuries, The Times has told the remarkable life stories of these Scots, who have changed the course of history. 

Magnus Linklater CBE,former Scotland Editor of The Times and former Executive Editor of The Sunday Times, has curated an astounding literary mirror into the lives of 100 remarkable Scots for his latest book Great Scottish Lives. 

Today we’re putting the spotlight on Mr. Linklater, a remarkable Scot in his own right, in anticipation of his appearance at Beyond Borders International Festival at Traquair House this August.  

His book features obituaries of notable and notorious politicians, academics, philosophers and artists from The Times archive. These Scots have challenged the status quo from the Enlightenment period up until post-devolution Scotland, beginning with Sir Walter Scott’s obituary, which was originally several thousand words. 

Described by Linklater as “the greatest genius and most popular writer of his nation and his age”, the story of his life sets the scene for this great work. Some of the figures included in the book are revered in today’s Scottish society, yet received little recognition for their work at the time of their death. 

Linklater stresses that the famous painters, the Scottish Colourists, would today receive “colourful obituaries”, yet their deaths garnered little attention at the time. Even Charles Rennie Mackintosh was largely unknown in London when he died and was therefore not the subject of a lengthy obituary, despite being celebrated in Scotland in his day. 

Linklater has also pointed out that the “unsavoury details” of some lives were adjusted to not offend more conservative readers of The Times. Some who were known to be drunkards were described as “vivacious” and men who were gay were instead presented as “not confirmed bachelors”.

Without a doubt, Great Scottish Lives highlights the most exceptional Scottish people – men and women who made advancements in the spheres of politics, religion, science, technology and literature. 

To hear more about these remarkable lives and Magnus Linklater’s work, join us at Beyond Borders International Festival at Traquair House on Saturday 25th August and Sunday 26th August. 

This year in the Main Tent, the Festival also welcomes Valerie Plame who will be talking about the scandal that surrounded her exposure as a CIA agent along with Madeleine Habib, who will share her experiences as the first female Captain of Medécin sans Frontières’ rescue boat, Dignity 1. 

Our Walled Garden Arts and Music Programme also returns featuring  the Hard Truths exhibition, prize-winning photography from The New York Times which showcases raw photographs depicting the daily realities of those living in areas of conflict such as Venezuela, Cuba, Iran, Iraq and the Philippines. 

Join us for all this as well as foraging walks, bicycle rides, yoga, storytelling, film, art exhibitions, and more! Described by Dr. Oscar Guardiola-Rivera as “the only festival which combines literature and thought with human rights”, there’s something for everyone in this year’s programme.