Biography - David R. Ross

Written by Lynn Boland Richardson

Readers around the globe will delight in experiencing Scotland through the eyes of one of her greatest historians. Ross’s gentle conversational style delivers layer upon layer of historical trivia interwoven with modern issues and the current status of ancient sites. His love for his native heath and depth of knowledge is second to none. No stranger to television, Ross has appeared numerous times on both the History Channel and the Discovery Channel, taking part in films relating to Scottish history. The Mail, a British national newspaper gave him a column and he regularly publishes in magazines and Journals. Featured regularly in all avenues of media, Ross functions in the capacity of historical consultant on all things pertaining to Scotland and her history.

Recipient of the 2002 Bannochburn Medal for his contribution to Scottish literature, David Robertson Ross, the Biker Historian proudly shares his patriotism and knowledge in print. Born 1958 in Griffnock near Glasgow, Scotland, Ross states that he has always had a feeling, a passion for Scotland within him. Ross attributes some of the pull to his mother who would take him as a child to visit castles and museums. Even in primary school, Ross remembers discussing Scotland’s history and ambitions for nationhood. He vivaciously read everything he could get his hands on, especially Nigel Tranter. Acquiring his first motorcycle at the age of 17, he set off to find many of the sites he had read about “happiest stravaiging” the countryside “rummeling” around ruins, battle sites, and standing on the spots where great and not so great Scots of history stood. With a mind like a steel trap, Ross picked up bits of local legends from those he met on his travels. He began to build pictures in his mind not just of hard historical facts but of the way history was perceived by the people themselves. While pursuing this path of inquiry, it never occurred to him that he was building a wealth of information that would result in a successful career as an author historian.

While experiencing Scotland’s history, Ross eked out a living as a musician, releasing a single with a band when he was 18. Touring with the band for 10 years he acquired the stagecraft he is now so famous for. “I am asked again and again, especially in North America, where I learned to do what I do in front of an audience, but it is all natural to me and it comes from many years of entertaining”. Ross is indeed a natural on stage answering a plethora of questions covering a broad range of topics. Never using notes, the annals of his mind unravel to the delight of audiences who savor the depth of historic trivia, wowing the best among us.

When he finally began to write down the many stories and data collected, he was surprised with the results. “When I released my book on William Wallace it went to number nine on the best seller charts on its week of release – and I was amazed at its popularity… I followed with a similar book on Robert the Bruce, then one on Prince Charlie, all for Luath Press of Edinburgh.” He previously released a book on Wallace and Bruce for Jarrold, a publishing house based in Norwich, England. The demands for television, film, lectures and interviews have always been significant and now staggering with the release of A Passion. On tour of the U.S.A. as part of the Tartan Day celebrations, a celebration of the Scottish contribution to the U.S., his visit culminated at the capitol, Washington, D.C. where Sean Connery received the William Wallace Award. David R. Ross’s work on William Wallace is well recognized and rewarded in Scotland. He was voted International Convener of the Society of William Wallace, an august body dedicated to the memory of the great Scottish patriot. The society is responsible for numerous historic sites and huge events like Wallace Day and the Wallace march. Journalist Alan Crawford of the British newspaper The Sunday Herald in his June 20^th article titled “Connery set for Wallace March, 450 mile journey to execution” writes that Scots all over the world are planning to Commemorate the 700^th anniversary of William Wallace’s death by marching from the place he was betrayed near Robroyston outside of Glasgow to Smithfield, England where he was tortured and killed. He also noted that Sean Connery will be giving a speech for the occasion. There is some talk of the Proclaimers singing their “…and I will walk 500 miles…” from the “Sunshine on the Leith” CD.  “Mr. Ross who devised the walk after researching his best selling book, On the Trail Of William Wallace added: ‘we know that Wallace’s left arm was nailed to Stirling Bridge and that a street called Wallace Green in Berwick was named because it was where part of his body was displayed’…” Ross said the route will not follow the motorway but rather routes he can walk and is the better part of 500 miles. “Wallace was captured at Robroyston on the outskirts of Glasgow on the 3^rd of August 1305 and arrived in London, after being transported tied to a horse, on the 22^nd of August 1305. He was dragged through the streets to Smithfeild to the butcher yard there to be cut into pieces on the 23^rd of August. Smithfeild is still the meat market of London today.” Ross will walk the same route on foot on the 700^th anniversary in 2005. He is currently in training for the event.

David R. Ross currently lives in East Kilbride, Scotland where he continues to research and write and participate in all things pertaining to Scotland and her history.