On this day in 1635, General Patrick Gordon was born.

Gordon led a remarkable life. Upon leaving Scotland, he entered the Russian army as a major and soon rose to become a close advisor to Russian Tsar, Peter the Great. Gordon rose to the rank of General-in-Chief and was made an admiral of the Russian navy. It is even said that Peter entrusted Gordon take charge of his empire while he visited Western Europe. The two became such close friends that Tsar Peter kept vigil at Gordon's deathbed.

On 31 March 1938, Sir David Steel, Scottish Liberal statesman, was born. Steel, a Borders MP, rose to become leader of the Liberal Party during the period of it's alliance with the SDP. As the pre-eminent elder statesman of Scottish politics, he was the ideal choice to become the first Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament.

Today's recipe: fresh vegetables make these spring rolls extra tasty. Chicken and vegetable spring rolls.