The shortest history of Scotland
Published: 24 April 2026
The Shortest History of Scotland sees Professor Murray Pittock challenge myths and explore the realities of Scotland’s past, arguing that the nation’s complexity and ambiguity have shaped its enduring global influence
Scotland is one of the oldest nations in Europe.
Its territory remains fundamentally unchanged since the 15th century and its southern border with England has barely altered since 1237.
Yet Scotland – a country with a global brand, its own law, education and church – is not a state at all.
In The Shortest History of Scotland, UofG's Professor Murray Pittock, Scotland’s leading cultural historian, argues that its very ambiguity is what has made the nation a central part of the global story.
From first tribes to devolution, Professor Pittock unpicks the myths from the reality. He explores the glories – real and imagined – of Scottish history, from Robert Bruce to Robert Burns, tartan to paisley, Walter Scott to Nicola Sturgeon and asks what the past can tell us about what lies ahead.
Professor Pittock MAE FRSE is Scotland’s leading cultural historian. His books include Culloden, Enlightenment in a Smart City, The Myth of the Jacobite Clans, and Robert Burns in Global Culture.
Launch Event for The Shortest History of Scotland
The launch event for The Shortest History of Scotland, will take place on Thursday 14 May 2026 at Waterstones Argyle Street, Glasgow. Professor Pittock will be in conversation with Zoe Venditozzi.
The event is ticketed: https://www.waterstones.com/events/the-history-of-scotland-in-an-hour-with-murray-pittock/glasgow-argyle-street
First published: 24 April 2026