This authoritative, entertaining, and eminently browsable reference book, arranged in an easily accessible A-to-Z format, is an absorbing and imaginative feast of Scottish lore, language, history, and culture, from the mythical origins of the Scots in Scythia to the contemporary Scotland of the Holyrood parliament and <I>Trainspotting</I>. Here Tartan Tories rub shoulders with Torry girls, the Misery from the Manse exchanges a nod with Stalin’s Granny, Thomas the Rhymer and the Wizard of Reay walk hand in hand with Bible John. The result is a breathtaking, quirky celebration of Scotland and a rollercoaster ride round Caledonia, from Furry Boots City to the Costa Clyde, via the Cold Shoulder of Scotland, the West Lothian Alps, and the Reykjavik of the South.