FACT OF THE DAY The islands of Orkney and Shetland became Scottish territory today in 1472, when they were annexed to the Crown as part of a marriage dowry to King James III. Both have strong links to their previous owners, the Norwegians, as can be seen each year in Shetland at the Up Helly Aa Viking winter festival or in the numerous ancient sites that dot both islands. For more on Up Helly Aa go here http://heritage.scotsman.com/diagrams.cfm?cid=2&id=40592005 ........................................ What is not mentioned here, is that this dowry was arranged by Robert Boyd, Regent of Scotland for King James III. It is the Boyds that are responsible for the Orkneys and Shetlands becomig part of Scotland. Alexander Boyd, Robert's brother, was Keeper [or Governor] of Edinburgh Castle and was responsible for training young King James III in the art of chivalry and other matters. Robert's son Thomas was married to Princess Mary Stewart, young King James' sister. A true love match, not a political arrangement And for some time it was the Boyds that stood first in line to the Scottish throne as James had no issue. It was this that set things in motion among those that were envious of the Boyds and their position, leading to the eventual charges of treason that ended our Royal status. Yours Aye, Lauren Lauren M. Boyd, FSA Scot President House of Boyd Society, Inc. http://www.clanboyd.org