A much-neglected period of Scottish history is brought to light in this comprehensive study. For almost a century, the Scottish islands of Orkney and Shetland were under the rule of Stewart earls, father and son, whose rulings are considered remarkable due to their infamous reputation in island history. An illegitimate son of James V, king of Scots, Robert Stewart seized power of Orkney in the 1560s and was created earl of Shetland in 1581. Robert’s son, the extraordinary and ill-starred Earl Patrick—commonly known as “Black Patie”—was executed for treason in 1615, bringing the era to a close. Wonderful illustrations bolster this thorough history of the legendary pair of rulers of Orkney and Shetland.