Major role of Scots at Battle of Trafalgar

Sir, – October 21 marks Trafalgar Day, the 215th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, in which Scots played a major part.

Far from being an English victory, five of the 27 captains of the fleet were Scottish, and George Duff from Banff, captain of the Mars, was one of only two captains to be killed.

Almost 30% of the 18,000-strong crew were from Scottish towns and fishing villages, and Nelson’s own doctor, and the woman who embalmed his body when he died, were Scots.

Scotland’s industry also contributed to this historical event. Sails were produced by the jute mills of Dundee, iron

for the cannons came from the Carron Works in Falkirk, charcoal from the forests of north Argyll was used in the gunpowder which fired the cannons, and timber products from Scotland’s woods were used to construct the fleet of participating ships.

For some, this victory symbolises a great British triumph, for others it epitomises English imperialism, with Scots as press-ganged accomplices.

However, what cannot be disregarded is the prolific and willing role played by Scots in a naval encounter which changed the course of European history, a history which we in Scotland cannot simply turn a blind eye to. Alex Orr. Marchmont Road, Edinburgh.

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