On 20 November 1863 James Bruce, 8th Lord Elgin, the Scottish Liberal statesman and diplomat, died.

During his career he served as Governor-General of Canada, 1847-54, and India, 1862-63 and was special envoy to China and Japan. During a visit to China he burnt down the emperor's famous Summer Palace in Beijing, destroying thousands of priceless works of art, in order to intimidate the emperor and force him to sign an unratified treaty.

On 20 November 1776 William Blackwood, the noted Scottish publisher and bookseller was born. He was the founder of the firm of 'William Blackwood & Sons Ltd', and also published the conservative satirical periodical, 'Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine'.

Today's recipe: make your own sticky roast ribs, it's easier than you may think.