Scottish Castles Association

An exhaustive piece of academic research looking at Scottish urbanisation in the 18th century has won the Saltire Book of the Year Award.

'The Scottish Town in the Age of Enlightenment 1740-1820' was co-authored by history professors Bob Harris and the late Charles McKean, former President of the SCA.

Broadcasters Sally Magnusson and Kirsty Wark were among other writers shortlisted for the prestigious title.

Prof Harris received the £10,000 cash prize at a ceremony in Edinburgh. Andrew McKean, the son of the late Professor McKean, also attended and collected the award on his behalf.

To win this award in a country with such a rich tradition of writing, making and reading books is a huge honour, and also a wonderful way to mark the major contribution made by my co-author, Charles McKean
Professor Harris

The winning book - which was the result of an extensive three-year research project - explores how 18th century burghs improved themselves and the significance of this for modern understanding of a society in a state of transition. Judges described it as a "magisterial" and a "pioneering study".

Winner of the Saltire Book of the Year, co-authored by the late Charles McKean, former SCA President

Prof Harris said: "To win this award in a country with such a rich tradition of writing, making and reading books is a huge honour, and also a wonderful way to mark the major contribution made by my co-author, Charles McKean, to understanding Scotland's very distinctive urban and architectural history."

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Source: BBC News Scotland, 12 November 2014