Biker historian rides again as valedictory book is published

THE last book written by Scotland's "biker historian" David R Ross is finally to be published almost a year after his death.

Mr Ross, 51, who was convener of the Society of William Wallace and a best-selling writer, had all but finished his tenth book, Women of Scotland, when he died from a heart attack in January.

The book explores the colourful lives of more than 20 female historical figures from the legend of Scota more than 3,000 years ago to Lady Macbeth, Saint Margaret and the Wigtown Martyrs, to the missionary Mary Slessor and Kay Matheson, who helped liberate the Stone of Destiny from Westminster Abbey in 1950.

It was completed with help from his publisher, Gavin MacDougall, of Edinburgh-based Luath Press, his friend and fellow historian Dr Fiona Watson, and his daughter, Kimberley, 23. Its publication will coincide with the annual St Andrews Day march next Saturday, which Mr Ross supported.

Mr MacDougall said: "David had an extraordinary, larger than life presence, and had an unquenchable enthusiasm for Scottish history. Women of Scotland, his tenth book, was with us in manuscript form when we received the tragic news of his unexpected death.

"With the help of Fiona Watson and David's daughter Kimberley, we have brought it to publication. David will be greatly missed, but he certainly achieved a lifetime's ambition, in that he was a dedicated and effective populariser of Scotland's history. His books will continue that life's work in to the future."

Dr Elspeth King, curator of the Smith Museum in Stirling, who encouraged Mr Ross to write his first book On The Trail of William Wallace, said: "David had a rare way of communicating his passion about Scotland and history which was inspirational, and he could hold an audience of hundreds in the palm of his hand, spellbound. He mastered the art of recreating the Scottish landscape through his storytelling."

Mr Ross, from East Kilbride, Renfrewshire, was dubbed the "biker historian" as he travelled around historic sites, battlefields and castles on his motorcycle, exploring the spots where great Scots from history stood.

His books on William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, James "The Black" Douglas and other Scottish heroes brought Scotland's history to millions of ordinary people around the world.

And, in August 2005, to mark the 700th anniversary of Wallace's death, he famously organised and completed the Walk for Wallace, in which he walked 450 miles from the spot where Wallace was captured in 1305 to his place of execution in London.

Among hundreds of tributes paid to the 6ft 5in tall Scot, First Minister Alex Salmond described Mr Ross as "a tremendous enthusiast for all things Scottish" who would be "long remembered for his many contributions to Scottish life".

l Women of Scotland is published by Luath Press, priced 9.99.