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Course begins November 2, 2026
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Live sessions with the instructor each week from 1:00 to 2:30pm Eastern U.S. time
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All sessions are recorded and available to view for up to 2 weeks after the last live session
Session 1
Scourge of RomeWe
The first lesson begins with the Barbarian Conspiracy and related events of the 4th century and aims to establish the state of what is now Scotland in the post-Roman period. We will explore the multitudinous identities of the people living within Scotland, focusing on their religion, symbols, and languages.
Session 2
Wars and Civil Wars
This time we explore the emergence of Fotriu as the eminent power in eastern Scotland. Beginning with the Verturian victory at Dun Nechtain and running to the hegemony of Onuist map Uurguist, we will trace Pictland’s relationship with its neighbours and its place within the broader insular Christian world.
Session 3
Birth of Alba, destruction of the Picts
This session will revolve around the political and cultural changes of the 9th century. We look at the so-called ‘destruction of the Picts’ and provide a more nuanced exploration of the emergence of the kings of Alba at the turn of the century. We will place these developments in the broader context of Viking attacks and insular notions of nationhood.
Session 4
The Real Macbeth
This time we focus on the 11th century, exploring the last king of Strathclyde, the real story behind Macbeth, the emergence of the Canmores, and their importance to establishing Scottish dynastic security (for now!). We will cast an eye to the earldom of Orkney and conflict with the Normans to the South.
Session 5
The Davidian Revolution?
David I’s reign is often seen as a ‘revolution’ in the emergence of Scotland. This session will contextualise David’s reign through his relations with the Gaelicising Somerled, Lord of the Isles, the elusive Fergus of Galloway, and the crusader-poet-jarl Rögnvaldr Kali Kolsson of Orkney, as well as exploring Scotland’s role in the ‘Anarchy’ to the south.
Session 6
‘Never will we be brought to English Rule'
The final session will cover the succession crisis of the late-13th century and the ensuing wars of independence. We focus on the evolution of Scotland and Scottish independence through texts such as the Declaration of Arbroath and proto-Fordun, as well as the key events, battles, and figures that shaped this tumultuous yet pivotal moment in Scottish history.
Meet Your Instructor
Fergus Holmes-Stanley
Fergus Holmes-Stanley is a doctoral researcher at the University of Glasgow where he looks at late medieval manuscripts that concern the Picts – in a multitude of languages including Middle/Early Modern Irish, Insular Latin, Old Scots and Old French. He completed his undergraduate and Master’s degrees in the department of Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic at the University of Cambridge, where his work focused on changing identities in Scotland c. 900. He is a tutor and lecturer at the University of Glasgow in Medieval History, Celtic Civilisation and Scottish History courses, and also has a plethora of experience teaching a variety of subjects to students aged 6 to 60+, online, in schools and at Universities.