On October 23 1295 the "Auld Alliance" treaty was signed between John Balliol, King of Scots, and Philippe IV of France.

Promising mutual military help against the English, the treaty was renewed by Robert The Bruce in 1326. It guaranteed response to English aggression against either party. Primarily it was a military and diplomatic alliance but for most of the population the treaty brought tangible benefits, through pay as mercenaries in France's armies and trade links bringing the finest French wines to Scotland.

Today in 1940 playwright, poet and jazz musician, Tom McGrath, was born. He has been central to the avant-garde movement in Scottish arts for nearly 30 years. An admirer of Edwin Morgan, he shows parallels in his poetry with that great verse-maker. An accomplished jazz musician and skilled entertainer, he later became best known writing for the stage. A number of famous plays include The Hardman (1977), co-written with Glasgow murderer, Jimmy Boyle.

He has also been Director of Glasgow's Third Eye Centre (1974-77), Associate Literary Director of Edinburgh's Royal Lyceum Theatre and is closely involved with the Scottish Arts Council.

Today's recipe: make your own beetroot chutney before it goes out of season.