McKean sets European historical agenda

Professor Charles McKean hosted a unique tour of Scotland for European academics this summer in a pitch to establish Scotland as a key player in Renaissance Europe.

Twenty Renaissance scholars and Professors of Art History from European universities including Venice, Leuven, Cambridge, Sorbonne, Zagreb and Zurich were treated to a tour of some of Scotland's finest Renaissance buildings.

The trip took in Stirling Castle, Culross Abbey house and garden, Glamis, Fraser, Craigievar and Huntly Castles, King's College Aberdeen, Earlshall in Leuchars, Falkland Palace and others totaling 37 venues in seven days.

Professor McKean explained, "Whatever this country thinks about its past, the European perspective is that we were definitely a significant player - if a very distinctive and unusual one - during the Renaissance. This is in contrast to most received wisdom and tourism marketing."

The European visitors reported a great trip with excellent food, music and lots of valuable information for their research.

Charles was also one of five people involved with the recent launch of the Dictionary of National Biography at a public meeting in Glasgow, where he spoke on the subject of his favourite historical heroes and villains.