Scots and the Sea is a unique and compelling account of a small, sparsely populated country's relationship with the most powerful force on earth. It is a celebration of the courage and endurance of fishermen and their families, the selfless bravery of lifeboat volunteers, and the individual brilliance of leaders like Admiral Cochrane, who helped establish free nations across the globe. The illicit activities of scoundrels like Captain Kidd also provide a taste of the darker side of the story. Scotland's proud maritime tradition is traced through this volume, which examines the development of trade, the founding of a Scottish merchant navy, and the pressures towards Union with England. It explores ports, harbors, and shipyards, and outlines the vital role Scotland has played in shipbuilding and marine engineering. Also recounted are the exploits and achievements of Scots in all these fields, including those of James Watt, William Symington, Henry Bell, and Robert Stevenson.