On 9th April 1817, Alexander "Greek" Thomson was born in Balfron, Stirlingshire.

Thomson was the seventeenth child of over twenty offspring. His style of using classical architectural features led to his nickname of "Greek", but he used many other styles in his architecture, including Indian and Egyptian influences. Some of his most well known works include, the Caledonia Rd Church, Holmwood House and the United Presbyterian Church in St Vincent St.

On 9th April 1747 Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat, the leading Scottish Jacobite rebel was beheaded on Tower Green, London. Lovat has the unwanted notoriety of being the last man to be publicly beheaded in Britain.

Today's recipe: chef Tom Lewis's dish features the finest Scottish produce. Roast sirloin of Perthshire Highland beef with Ayrshire potatoes and asparagus.