On a rainy afternoon visit to Anne L. Forbes, author of the forthcoming historical text, Trials and Triumphs: The Gordons of Huntly in 16th Century Scotland (Birlinn Ltd. - Polygon, Birlinn, John Donald), the gang here at Deveron Arts along with our newest artist in residence, Ross Sinclair, took in 30 years of research and writing on one of Scotland’s most historically important clans.  

Spanning the dramatic rise of The Gordons, who hail from Huntly after taking over what was known as Strathbogie, Forbes’ meticulously researched account spares no detail in condensing descriptions of the richly woven textiles visible through the once-grand Huntly Castle to speculations addressing the weight and role of each major player in this saga.

Writing the history of the Gordons where the names and histories are familiar and at times conflicting to the people of Huntly, Forbes focuses on the individual Gordons, pulling together the facts and myths of an iconic family heritage. Highly readable once you get into the meat of the history, it is quite amazing how this book hasn’t been written and published until now, as there seems to be an unending interest in Scottish history and ancestry, or perhaps that perspective mostly exists from outside of Scotland.

Noting the diaspora of the Gordons go far and wide, not excluding the much beloved Gordon Highlanders, the contemporary presence of The Gordons will be a subject of inquiry for Sinclair over the next three months. Watch Deveron Arts for more information in the coming months for public programming initiatives, including a public presentation by Forbes, a bus tour to The Gordon Highlanders Museum, and more. 

For more information on Forbes’ forthcoming book, including investing in the initial publishing capital, please contact Deveron Arts here and we will forward your message on. Your support would be greatly appreciated to get this book published for Spring 2012. Photo credit: Gayle Meikle