On this day in 1796 poet, James MacPherson, died.

He was the author of The Works of Ossian, Fingal and Temora, who gained international fame through his translations of early Gaelic poems. However, although they caused a sensation in Britain and Europe, where they were credited with influencing the European Romantic movement, he was also charged with composing the works himself. This accusation gave rise to the so-called "Ossian controversy". The true story behind the poems has never been resolved.

On February 17 1688 James Renwick, the last Covenanter martyr, was executed. He had been declared a rebel after renouncing his allegiance to Charles II in 1680 and declaring him a tyrant and usurper. He was ruthlessly pursued all over Scotland until finally he was caught and hanged.

Today's recipe: a delicious fruit dessert using seasonal rhubarb. Rhubarb fool.