Robert Louis Stevenson's father was an engineer who designed lighthouses; his mother's father was a minister. Stevenson always knew that all he wanted to do was write. His books include Treasure Island, Kidnapped and The Strange Case of Dr Jeckyll and Mr Hyde.

Sir Walter Scott was a prolific author who produced poetry, novels, essays, reviews and translations. A few years before his death the life he had built for hiimself turned to dust in a year when his wife died shortly after he was declared bankrupt.

Auld Lang Syne, often attributed to Robert Burns, is a song most frequently sung to welcome the New Year and commemorate Robert Burns at the end of Burns Night celebrations on 25 January.

Thinking of hosting a Burns Supper? This article gives tips about traditional Burns Night food to help your celebrations run smoothly.

Robert Burns – poet, farmer, songwriter, lover - was born in in 1759. His birthday, January 25, is celebrated by Scots the world over as Burns Night. The Burns poem Address To A Haggis is a core feature of Burns Night celebrations.

John O'Groats, in the far north of the Scottish Highlands, is a gateway to the Orkney Islands. Ferry services were established from the mainland to Orkney over 500 years ago. John O'Groats is also a target for intrepid cyclists, walkers and others who travel the 800 plus miles from Lands End.