Honour for St Andrews historian

One of Scotland’s most eminent medieval historians has been presented with a book in honour of her contribution to early Scottish history.

At a small ceremony at her house in St Andrews, 91-year old Dr Marjorie Ogilvie Anderson was presented with the book which contains contributions from historians throughout the UK and Ireland.

“Kings, Clerics and Chronicles in Scotland 500-1297”, published by Four Courts Press, Dublin, consists of a number of essays in honour of Dr Anderson and includes the proceedings of a conference held in St Andrews in February 1999 to celebrate her 90th birthday. The event, which attracted around 160 people, included a tribute to Dr Anderson who penned one of Scotland’s most important books on the earliest years of Scotland’s history, “Kings and Kingship in Early Scotland” and, with her equally eminent historian husband Alan Orr Anderson, produced the authoritive edition and translation of Scotland’s first book, “The Life of Columba”, written by Abbot Adomnan around 700 AD.

“Kings, Clerics and Chronicles in Scotland 500-1297” contains a foreword by Professor Donald Watt, Emeritus Professor of Mediaeval History at the University of St Andrews and an introduction by the book’s editor Dr Simon Taylor of the St Andrews Scottish Studies Institute.

Dr Taylor said, “Everyone who works on the early history of Scotland owes an enormous debt to Dr Anderson, and this book is to be a seen as a small token of appreciation for all the pioneering work she has done for the subject.”

Dr Anderson, who was born and still lives in St Andrews, received an honorary doctorate from the University in 1973 in recognition of her academic contribution.

NOTE TO EDITORS – A photograph is attached. Left to right – Professor Donald Watt, Dr Marjorie O Anderson and Dr Simon Taylor.

Issued by Beattie Media on behalf of the University of St Andrews For more information please contact Claire Grainger on 01334 462530, 07887 650072 or email [email protected] Ref: anderson/standrews/chg/8may2000/ PR1934