Professor John Robertson OBA
Ron Culley needs no introduction from me because AI can do it so much more fully it seems:
Ron Culley is a Scottish author and former public sector executive, best known for his work as a novelist specializing in historical fiction, political thrillers, and biographical works with a focus on Scottish and Irish history.Literary CareerCulley has published over a dozen books, often blending fact and fiction to explore themes like Scottish independence, Irish republicanism, and social justice. His notable titles include:
- Alba: Who Shot Willie McRae? (a thriller investigating the mysterious 1985 death of Scottish nationalist Willie McRae, blending real events with speculative narrative).
- The Patriot Game (historical fiction set in Ireland’s struggle for independence).
- Dalriada (a political intrigue novel tied to Scottish history).
- The Butcher’s Apron (his most recent work, critiquing colonialism through a historical lens).
- Other works like A Confusion of Mandarins, The Kaibab Resolution, and edited biographies such as Firebrand.
His writing has garnered international acclaim, with readers from all seven continents (including Antarctica) praising its hybrid style that “weaves fact with plausible fiction so expertly you could swear he had been a fly on the wall.” He has also written a controversial one-act play satirizing organized religion, which was rejected by the BBC for being “too strong meat.” Culley’s books are available through retailers like Waterstones and his personal site, ronculley.com, where he shares excerpts, reviews, and a blog.
Ron’s latest ‘Scotland’s Radicals’ can be had in hardback from Amazon from December 11th 2025:
For a relatively small nation, Scotland certainly hasn’t been short of radicals. Over the centuries, the country has produced revolutionary and reforming ideas, ideals and behaviours that have changed the world we live in.
From football to philosophy, from scientists to soldiers, Scots have made a huge and disproportionate contribution to world transformation. Inventors and medics, rock stars and comedians have all played their part in making Scotland and the world very different. Peace campaigners and warriors sit side by side within these pages; poets and politicians rub shoulders.
Not all radicals can be successful and there are those whose dreams were never realised. But in these pages, one hundred and thirty-eight Scots, some known internationally, some unknown in their own street, find a home.
Keep that last phrase in mind!
For paperback and Kindle, go to http://www.ronculley.com/
Oh yes, that surprise? I’m in it, at the back somewhere. I have 11 neighbours and only two know who I am, including my wife, just.
Talking-up Scotland 'Albatraz' 
The Declaration at Arbroath. The Enlightenment. The philosopher’s shaped the modern world. Liberty, fraternity and freedom. The founding fathers. One person, one vote. Democracy. The king, the nobles, the people. The four estate. All equal. The community. Education according to ability. Not the ability to pay.
Scottish invention shaped the modern world. Radio, TV, telecommunication. Led on to the internet. The world communication. Changed the modern world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks like a good book worth buying, but gonnae no promote Amazon?
Buy from bookshops, people!
John H
LikeLike