Ep 19. Storming Scots

The episode titled "Storming Scots" is the nineteenth episode of the first season of the British historical sketch comedy television series Horrible Histories. This episode primarily focuses on the history of Scotland and its struggles against the English over the years.

The show starts off by showcasing a few aspects of Scottish culture and folklore, including legends about haggis, bagpipes, and the mythical creature, the Loch Ness Monster. It then moves on to more serious topics, starting with the battle of Stirling Bridge, which was fought in 1297 between the Scottish forces under the leadership of William Wallace and the English under the command of King Edward I. The episode provides a brief overview of the main events of the battle, including the tactics used by the Scottish army to gain victory over superior English forces.

The show then moves on to the life of Mary Queen of Scots, a controversial figure in Scottish history who was crowned Queen at just six days old. The episode highlights the struggles Mary faced as a ruler, including her forced abdication and subsequent imprisonment before her eventual execution in 1587.

The episode also covers the famous Highland Clearances, which took place during the 1800s and involved the forced eviction of Scottish farmers from their land in order to make way for wealthy landowners to raise sheep. The sketch humorously depicts the harsh conditions faced by the evicted farmers and their families, highlighting the economic and social impacts of the Clearances on the Scottish population.

Another segment of the show covers the life of Robert Burns, a celebrated Scottish poet and lyricist who is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland. The episode provides an overview of Burns' life, from his humble beginnings as a farmer's son to his rise to fame as a poet and songwriter. The episode also highlights some of Burns' famous works, including "Auld Lang Syne" and "Tam O'Shanter."

The show also covers some lesser-known Scottish history, including the life of Agnes Macphail, Canada's first female member of parliament who was born to Scottish immigrant parents. The episode highlights Macphail's contribution to Canadian politics and her advocacy for women's rights and social justice.

Additionally, the episode covers the life of James Hutton, a Scottish geologist who is regarded as the father of modern geology. The sketch provides a brief overview of Hutton's principles of uniformitarianism, which helped shape modern understanding of the Earth's geological history.

Overall, "Storming Scots" is a humorous but informative look at Scottish history, highlighting some of the country's most famous historical figures and events while also shedding light on lesser-known aspects of Scottish culture and society.