TheScottishHistorian

Rab Houston MBE, Professor Emeritus in History, University of St Andrews. Bringing history to everyone.

[TheScottishHistorian @ScotHistorian]

Wise intervention that summarises why some UK universities are in good financial shape while others are not. See my recent post drawing to a long, clear, and troubling report on each of UK's 163 HEIs. https://t.co/nQR2kuBxkd

[Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex]

What kind of world are we leaving behind? Unfortunately, it is a world distorted by war and war-like language. This pollution of reason comes from the geopolitical sphere and invades every social relationship. Any simplification that creates enemies must be corrected, especially in universities, through complexity of thought and wise exercise of memory.

[TheScottishHistorian @ScotHistorian]

Brilliant report on structural underfunding and resultant financial vulnerability of many UK HEIs. University St Andrews (which is in good shape): "is effectively a private export business supporting a public service obligation." Delicious. #universitiesUK https://t.co/VlVZBpEM1u

[TheScottishHistorian @ScotHistorian]

Poverty is a political choice.

[Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex]

Hundreds of millions of people throughout the world are immersed in extreme poverty. Yet, disproportionate wealth remains in the hands of a few. It is an unjust scenario, in the face of which we cannot fail to question ourselves and commit to change things. There is no lack of resources at the root of disparities, but the need to address solvable problems related to a more equitable distribution of wealth, to be achieved with moral sense and honesty.

[TheScottishHistorian @ScotHistorian]

I wish I had his eloquence.

[Barack Obama @BarackObama]

The victory of the opposition in Hungary yesterday, like the Polish election in 2023, is a victory for democracy, not just in Europe but around the world. Most of all, it’s a testament to the resilience and determination of the Hungarian people – and a reminder to all of us to keep striving for fairness, equality and the rule of law.

[TheScottishHistorian @ScotHistorian]

Having once met a winded 'rescue' (i.e. discarded) greyhound and owner on a country walk I think this proposal one of the SG's rare good ideas. They are lovely, gentle animals that deserve better from humans (this one's human was truly kind).
https://t.co/gs9AMd0E6T

[TheScottishHistorian @ScotHistorian]

This case (about climbing) has significant implications for #scubadiving. Ultimately, everybody participating in a sport with risk should take personal responsibility for their own safety, unless a commercial provider is negligent. In my opinion.
https://t.co/B4DMZJKKyw

[TheScottishHistorian @ScotHistorian]

temporary 4-way traffic lights stuck on red all day junctions Murrayfield Road, Ellersly Road, Murrayfield Avenue. Much blowing of horns, shouting, frustration, aggressive behaviour. @PSOSEdinburgh

[TheScottishHistorian @ScotHistorian]

@PSOSEdinburgh How do we persuade your colleagues in south-west (Murrayfield/Corstorphine) to do the same? Murrayfield CC Road Safety Group have been trying for 2 years and been fobbed off with excuses.

[TheScottishHistorian @ScotHistorian]

This link is to an AV lecture I gave on the history of Scottish tourism from pilgrims to package tours. Free. #tourism #History #Scotland @NatRecordsScot
https://t.co/tnpj48OuxZ

[TheScottishHistorian @ScotHistorian]

This is a brilliantly produced piece about an important archaeological finding. With all sorts of graphics and images as well as text. Informative and fun, it deserves to go viral.
https://t.co/iridJRNxYF

[TheScottishHistorian @ScotHistorian]

On Saturday I talked about the history of #tourism to the Edinburgh branch of @Saltire_Society. On the left my wife and on the right a Trustee. A lively and welcoming audience, members of a thoroughly worthwhile body promoting Scottish culture, past and present.

[TheScottishHistorian @ScotHistorian]

This brief radio program is shows the dangers of raising income tax rates for purely political reasons, regardless of how much income is raised. The presenter is a member of the Scottish Government's tax advisory group. But that's a story in itself ...
https://t.co/kpdifJsDF9

[TheScottishHistorian @ScotHistorian]

This man is wholly disconnected from reality.
https://t.co/eLRJYFR5NH

[TheScottishHistorian @ScotHistorian]

" #IDCards are a social democratic cause, because they help define security not only as border controls for who comes in, but as the right for everyone here to share in our mutual social security." Polly Toynbee, The Guardian (9/6/25)

[TheScottishHistorian @ScotHistorian]

Delighted another repulsive abuser, one of many at EA in the 1960s and 1970s, is 'out'. The boys called him 'Jake Spray' because he used to stand at the entrance to the shower staring at their bodies after PE. Scandalous delay of justice. https://t.co/yWxEWrdmsO

[TheScottishHistorian @ScotHistorian]

I spent a few seconds pondering what this will do to the average standard of capability of SNP MSPs ...
https://t.co/ZOODSq2IWt

[TheScottishHistorian @ScotHistorian]

Interested in 18th century medicine? This invaluable new free resource contains a wealth of evidence about conditions and their treatment. 'Hypochondria' is one, a mainstream diagnosis of a serious psycho-somatic ailment rather than our imaginary disease. https://t.co/B8TDnoQJCI

[TheScottishHistorian @ScotHistorian]

Mobbed by #gulls at bus stop today, remains of Italian convenience meal their target. Moved 3 steps out of reach and the mess someone (human) left was entirely cleaned up within 20 seconds. I conclude gulls perform a social service and should be thanked.

[TheScottishHistorian @ScotHistorian]

Robert the Bruce won the battle of Bannockburn 1314 and laid the path for Scottish independence from England. Facial reconstruction from the wonderful Dunfermline Abbey near Edinburgh. Pic from a guest on free time from @SmithsonianTrvl tour 'Scotland's Treasures'.