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Stuart Kelly - Scott-land: The Man Who Invented a Nation

Episode 2

Duration: 15 minutes

First broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 FMLatest broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 Extra

His name, image and influence can be seen everywhere; from Scottish banknotes to place names across the globe. Sir Walter Scott invented the modern novel, began Scotland's tourist industry and was the first celebrity author - a heady mix of JK Rowling and Dan Brown long before the age of mass media hype. Lauded by contemporary critics as well as his massive readership in the 19th century, he's hardly read - and even more rarely enjoyed - today.

As Walter Scott immortalised his native country in poetry and prose, so the author is commemorated by countless memorials across Scotland. Stuart Kelly examines Scott's images of Scotland and how they haunt the country still - from Brigadoon to Braveheart.

Stuart Kelly was born and brought up in the Scottish Borders. He studied English at Oxford and is the Literary Editor of Scotland on Sunday.

Reader: Robin Laing
Abridger: Laurence Wareing
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie. Show less

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