Today in 1624 George Heriot, goldsmith to King James VI and founder of Heriot's School, died.

The school was originally founded as Heriot's Hospital, Edinburgh. He is thought to be the inspiration for the character, Georgie Heriot, in Sir Walter Scott's novel, Fortunes of Nigel.

Today in 1846 Rev Henry Duncan, founder of the world-wide savings bank movement, died near Ruthwell. Launched in a derelict cottage in 1810, the savings bank movement spread to 109 organisations in 92 countries. A man of varied talents, Duncan also became the first person in the country to identify fossil footprints and he was also responsible for the restoration of the medieval Ruthwell Cross.

Today's recipe: as Valentine's Day approaches, get in the mood for love! Oysters with coriander and a passion fruit relish.