Two Scottish Tragedies (Press, 24 October 1970)
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Summary: Two Scottish Tragedies (Press, 24 October 1970)
"A Kind of Justice" by George Malcolm Thomson explores two historical mysteries from Scotland, examining both the Gowrie Conspiracy of 1600 and the murder of Colin Campbell of Glenuir in 1752. The author investigates these events in detail, consulting 26 sources and providing a thoughtful analysis of the circumstances surrounding them. The Gowrie Conspiracy involves King James VI, the son of Mary Queen of Scots, who sought recognition as the successor to Queen Elizabeth I. The mystery arises when James unexpectedly visits the Earl of Gowrie at Gowrie House after a hunting trip. This visit has puzzled historians due to its bizarre nature; James claimed he was lured to view a pot of gold, an explanation that many viewed with scepticism. Soon after arriving, James raised a cry of "Treason," leading to a chaotic confrontation where both Gowrie and his brother were killed. Many suspect that James's actions were part of a deeper plot, possibly motivated by political rivalry or personal reasons. Thomson proposes that the King may have engineered the situation to eliminate the Ruthvens due to their potential threat to his authority. In contrast, the murder of Colin Campbell in 1752 is framed within the context of the socio-political tensions in Scotland post-Culloden. Campbell was killed while attempting to evict tenants in favour of others deemed more acceptable by the English crown. The investigation of his murder implicated Alan Breck, a character known for his unsavoury reputation. Breck, a deserter fleeing from the French authorities, fled Scotland after the incident, which led to widespread suspicion against him, heavily fuelled by the Campbells. Despite his honourable defence, James Stewart of Appin was wrongfully convicted and hanged, as he was unable to defend against the biased jury primarily composed of Campbells. Thomson concludes that both events illustrate the injustices of the era, suggesting that the Gowrie Conspiracy was orchestrated by the King himself, and positing that Alan Breck was likely innocent in Campbell’s murder. Instead, he hints at the possibility that a member of the Stewart family could have been the actual murderer, a secret that remains undisclosed within the family to this day. Overall, "A Kind of Justice" is presented as an engaging read for both history enthusiasts and the general public, highlighting Thomson's adeptness in piecing together historical puzzles while offering compelling narratives that provoke further thought and discussion on themes of justice and accountability in history.
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