Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser is celebrating the publication of his first book on Scottish history. “The Rivals: Montrose and Argyll and the Struggle for Scotland”, published by Birlinn, tells the story of the rivalry between two prominent Scottish statesmen of the 17th century: James Graham, 1st Marquis of Montrose, and Archibald Campbell, Marquis of Argyll.
These two Scottish heroes were on opposite sides during the Scottish civil war of 1644-45, which followed on from the signing of the National Covenant and the Scottish Revolution of 1638.
The book details how the two men, who were first allies, then became bitter enemies. Both came from ancient and powerful families, both were originally Covenanters, both considered themselves loyal subjects of King Charles I, then Charles II, who in turn betrayed each of them, and both died at the hands of the executioner.
In the book Murdo Fraser examines these two remarkable men, underlying their different personalities: Montrose, the brilliant military tactician – bold and brave but rash, and Campbell – altogether a more opaque figure, cautious, considered and difficult to read.
This is the MSP’s first full-length publication, although he has contributed to other books on a range of subjects including politics and football.
The Rivals has a large number of local references. It was at Tippermuir (Tibbermore) just outside Perth, that Montrose won his first battle over the Convenanters, commanded by Lord Elcho, on Sunday 1st September 1644. After Montrose’s execution, one of his arms was placed upon the top of the Tolbooth in Perth, and one of his legs on the Tolbooth in Stirling. Falkland Palace in Fife was where the young Charles II was based when he arrived in Scotland to ally with the Covenanters, and Scone is where he was crowned by the Marquis of Argyll as King of Scotland, England and Ireland, on New Year’s Day 1651.
Alyth in Perthshire was where the Committee of Estates, in effect the Scottish government of the day, was captured by the Cromwellian General Monck on 28th August 1651, thus effectively extinguishing the independent Scottish administration of the time.
Commenting on the publication, Murdo Fraser said:
“I have always had an interest in Scottish history, and as a politician myself am particularly interested in looking at the political background to conflicts from bygone eras.
“The 17th century has always seemed to me one of the most significant periods in our country’s history. It was at that time that we essentially created the modern Scotland, in terms of our system of government, how we would organise religion, and what our relationship would be with England.
“How these issues were debated and resolved, in a time of intense political upheaval, is fascinating. It seemed to me that the best way to present the story was through the characters of the two major protagonists of the period, James Graham and Archibald Campbell, and in this way try to bring history to life.
“Inevitably some will want to see parallels between what happened in the 17th century with recent events in Scotland, with Parliamentary reform being delivered but not going far enough for some, and the subsequent division of the country.
“The aspect of the story I found most interesting was looking at the different characters of Montrose and Argyll. Despite the great causes for which they fought, their motivations were not really those of high-minded principle, but they were driven by the same blend of ambition, personal loyalties, jealousy, and even financial necessity, that politicians of all ages can be prone to.
“Trying to write a book like this has been a major undertaking while having a busy job as an MSP. It has taken at least four years to get to this stage, researching and writing in my spare time.
“I believe that it is always useful to learn lessons from the past, and I hope that people will enjoy reading this book, and view it as a useful contribution to our understanding of a crucial period in Scottish history.”
The Rivals: Montrose and Argyll and the Struggle for Scotland, by Murdo Fraser, is published by Birlinn Ltd at a price of £9.99. It is available in good bookshops, online, or direct from the publisher.