THE SCENE: John of Fordun, the medieval Scottish historian, draws a strong distinction between between the “coastal” Scots and the highlanders.
THE TEXT: The manners and customs of the Scots vary. The people of the coast are of domestic and civilized habits, trusty, patient, and urbane, decent in their attire, affable and peaceful, devout in Divine worship, yet always prone to resist a wrong at the hands of their enemies. The highlanders and people of the islands, on the other hand, are a savage an untamed nation, rude and independent, ease-loving, of a docile and warm disposition, comely in person, but unsightly in dress, and hostile to the English people and language. They are, however, faithful and obedient to their king and country, and easily made to submit to law, if properly governed.
– John of Fordun, Chronica Gentis Scotorum, 14th Century AD
