A sweep of quite enormous cultural and historical dimensions... a bit like letting King Herod loose in the maternity ward... utterly engaging.
From the foreword by Charles Kennedy, MP

Essential reading for Scots everywhere, and for non-Scots with Scottish spouses, lovers. colleagues, friends or foes.

Clark McGinn knows all about the pride that glints in the eyes of those with even a small percentage of tartan in the blood. But what exactly puts it there, and how do you know whether you're a true Scot at heart (if not under your kilt)? And above all, how do you get a share in the action even if you're not a Scot?

This lighthearted yet thoroughly researched book examines the great things about being Scottish: Hogmanay, Burns Night, Up Helly Aa, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Hallowe'en and (the only one not celebrated in Scotland) Tartan Day - and getting the most out of the big Scottish party occasions.

• Ceilidhs, Highland dancing and The Royal Caledonian Ball - how to put your best foot forward
• The National Spirit - the history of whisky
• Munros, monuments and midges - how to survive the great Scottish countryside
• ...and a great deal else, from a potted history of Scotia's monarchs to deep-fried Mars bars to the bits of Auld Lang Syne nobody can remember.