The Fair Maid of Perth

Walter Scott (1771-1832) was a Scottish historical novelist, poet, and playwright. Although he was an advocate and legal administrator by profession, Scott is most famous for his great literary works and activities in the Royal Highland Society. Inspired by the story of the Battle of the North Inch, «The Fair Maid of Perth» is set in Perth, Saint John’s Town, and several other parts of Scotland in the early fifteenth century. It tells the story of Catharine Glover, the fair maid of the title and the daughter of a local glovemaker. While being in love with Henry Gow, the armorer, she also catches the eye of the Duke of Rothesay. When Gow interrupts an attempted abduction, he becomes drawn into royal intrigues and highland feud.