Today in 1776 David Hume, the Scottish philosopher, historian, economist and author, died.
Hume is regarded as one of the most influential figures in British philosophy of the Eighteenth Century, and the leading light of the Scottish Enlightenment. He was the author of such works as 'A Treatise of Human Nature' and 'An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding'. However, his atheistic and sceptical stance meant that he faced opposition when proposed to the Chair of Ethics and Pneumatical Philosophy at Edinburgh University, Hume was forced to stand down and was never to hold an academic post in his life.
On 25 August, 1930 the actor, Sean Connery, was born in the Fountainbridge area of Edinburgh.
Connery achieved international success appearing in films as Ian Fleming's suave secret agent, James Bond.
Connery has also become well known in his homeland as a prominent supporter of Scottish Independence and the Scottish National Party.
On this day in 1330, Sir James Douglas, known as "The Black Douglas", died. The champion of King Robert I, "The Bruce", Douglas died in Spain fighting the Moors, whilst on a pilgrimage carrying the dead king's heart to the Holy Land.
This final act of loyalty to Bruce led to the appearance of a heart in the Douglas coat of arms.
On 25 August, 1923 Scottish novelist Dorothy Dunnett, was born. As the writer of intricate and meticulously researched historical novels she attracted a devoted following with her multi-volume sagas.
Her novels included the million-word Lymond Chronicles, in six volumes, which covered 15-years in the life of a 16th Century Scottish aristocrat, Francis Crawford of Lymond. The first book, The Game of Kings, was published in 1960; the last, Checkmate, came 15 years later.
Between her two epic series, Dunnett wrote King Hereafter, the single-volume novel that some considered her finest work. Disentangling the historical Scottish king Macbeth from Shakespeare's play, the work was the product of years of research
Today's recipe: in-season and low in fat, venison adds a delicious gamey taste to this warming goulash.
