The 9th January 2000 saw the death of author Nigel Tranter.

A prolific author, Tranter published more than 130 novels and biographies during his 60-year-long career, nearly all concerning famous Scots and their place in the country's history. They include the Robert the Bruce trilogy: The Steps to the Empty Throne, The Path of the Hero King and The Price of the King's Peace.

Randolph Bing was born on January 9 1902. He was the co-founder of the Edinburgh Festival and the festival's first director between 1947-49.

Today's recipe: the salty taste of the sea is a northern delight. Aberdeen butteries.