On This Day in 1692, a Royalist force, under the command of Captain Robert Campbell of Glenlyon, carried out the Massacre of Glencoe.

The massacre of 38 MacDonalds was carried out on direct orders from Dalrymple of Stair, orders which were counter-signed twice by King William. Scotland was shocked when news of the massacre reached the general public. Dalrymple lost his position but no action was taken against William and Dalrymple soon returned to favour. The massacre undoubtedly helped the Jacobites gain more support, particularly in the Highlands.

13 February 1728 saw the birth of John Hunter, the Scottish physician and anatomist. Surgeon-General to King George III, he is regarded as the founder of pathological anatomy in Britain and is also often considered a pioneer of scientific surgery. Hunter was the teacher of Edward Jenner, the inventor of vaccination.

Today's recipe: plan a Valentine's day indulgence. Peppered steak with fondant potatoes.