On this day in 1947 the paddle steamer Waverley was launched from A. & J. Inglis's yard on the Clyde. The Waverley is the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world. She was in danger of de-comissionning in the early 70s, but in 1974 she was bought by enthusiasts from the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society for the bargain price of one pound from owners CalMac.

She underwent a major rebuild in 2000, and passengers can still cruise the Clyde from Glasgow to Dunoon and the isles of Bute and Arran during the summer months.

Today in 1854 the pioneer of modern urban sociology, Patrick Geddes, was born in Ballater.

Along with Adam Ferguson, Geddes founded modern sociology and urban planning. Originally a botanist, it was when his sight became temporarily damaged during a trip to Mexico that he turned his attention to human society instead of the microscope, especially the problems of urban squalor in Edinburgh's Old Town.

His background in ecology meant that he looked at the field from an unusual angle and led to some particularly original ideas. His theories have been globally influential - Roosevelt's New Deal policy contained more than a little of Geddes' influence.

Today's recipe: enjoy the tastes of the season in this rich game pie.