"Everything belonging to the Highlands of Scotland has of late become peculiarly interesting. It is not much above half a century since it was otherwise." — Sir Walter Scott
Sir Walter Scott placed the Scottish Highlands on the map of popular tourist destinations. This timeworn work - consisting of the 1816 essay "Manners, Customs and History of the Highlanders of Scotland" and the introduction to his novel Rob Roy, "Historical Account of the Clan MacGregor" - helped transform Scottish national identity. Scott shifts the image of the Highlander from a bloodthirsty rebel to a heroic defender of the British Empire. and provides many references to leading figures Scottish history. The MacGregors serve as the epitome of the integrity of clanship.