Great Scottish Speeches: Volume 2

About the Book: 

What makes a speech great?

In this second volume of Great Scottish Speeches, more than 60 speeches made by Scots or by others in Scotland have been drawn together, not necessarily for their heart-stopping eloquence (although many have that), but as a testament to their enduring historical significance. These speeches each provide a snapshot of the social, cultural or political context in which they were made, a celebration of the power of great oratory across the ages.

As you fight for fairness, you will always find in me a friend, a partner and a brother. Gordon Brown

O sister, rule your realm in peace; I give up every claim to these domains. Mary Queen of Scots

Such in my opinion is the true gospel concerning wealth, obedience to which is destined someday to solve the problems of the rich and the poor. Andrew Carnegie

Vote, Jock. Vote, Sweaty Sock. Talk properly. Alan Bissett

About the Author:

DAVID TORRANCE is a freelance writer, journalist and broadcaster who specialises in the politics and history of the long-running debate about Scottish independence. After being educated in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Cardiff he worked as a newspaper and television reporter before taking a brief career break to dabble in politics at Westminster. For the past seven years he has been a freelance commentator as well as the author or editor of more than ten books about Scottish and UK politics, biography and history. Like all good Scotsmen he has lived in London for long stretches but is currently based in Edinburgh.