On January 22 1570James Stewart, the Regent Moray on the abdication of Mary Queen of Scots, was murdered in Linlithgow.

The assassination by James Hamilton of Bothwellhaugh triggered civil war.

January 22 1777 saw the birth of Joseph Hume, Scottish politician and social reformer.

A leading advocate of free trade, he was responsible for the repeal of laws that banned the export of machinery, and the emigration of skilled workmen. He campaigned for the legalisation of trade unions, Catholic emancipation, the admission of non-confirmists to university, and the ending of draconian punishments in the armed forces.

Today's recipe: a rich fruit pudding best served with cream - and a dram! Clootie pudding.