Free Thinking

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Free Thinking: Scottish Kingship

Scottish Kingship

BBC Radio 4 - Free Thinking, Scottish Kingship

Medieval myth making, the kings of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny.

Anne McElvoy hears about the founding myths of the Scottish kings from the Stone of Destiny to James I and the dream vision tradition.

In 2024, Scotland marks two big anniversaries: David I ascended the throne nine centuries ago and James I of Scotland began his reign 600 years ago. Both Kings played a role in shaping Scotland's ideas about its monarchy.  How did David shape Scotland, and what relevance does the Stone of Destiny have - then, and now, as it returns to its native Perthshire? We look at the Scottish dream vision, initiated by James I in writing Scotland's first love poem, sparking a new tradition lasting through the Renaissance and beyond. Anne McElvoy hears about distinctly Scottish ideas of Kingship. 

Kylie Murray is the author of The Making of the Scottish Dream Vision and a BBC Radio 3 AHRC New Generation Thinker.

Alexandra Sanmark is Professor of Medieval Archaeology at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Donna Heddle is Professor of Northern Heritage and Director of the UHI Institute for Northern Studies at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

William Murray is Viscount Stormont and owner of Scone Palace.

Producer: Ruth Watts 

You might be interested in other Free Thinking episodes exploring Scottish history and writing including programmes about The Declaration of Arbroath; John McGrath's Scottish drama, Tales of Scotland: A Nation and its literature with Janice Galloway, Peter Mackay, Murray Pittock and Kathleen Jamie; The Battle of Culloden - Outlander and Peter Watkins; crime writer Ian Rankin talks to Tahmima Anam.

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