Caledonia's Last Stand

On 2 November, 1698, a fleet landed in the Isthmus of Darien to create a colony and launch a new Scottish trading empire. The venture failed dramatically, with a catastrophic loss of life and money, and led to the eventual end of Scottish independence and the beginning of the UK. Nat Edwards' erratic odyssey to find the graves of the Scots settlers is a reflection of the story of the Scots Company itself, interweaving pirates, street riots, treasure hunters, indigenous peoples and killer bees with the astonishing historical facts of Darien. Panama is the real-life setting for an almost unbelievable 17th century expedition of Scottish hope and adventure, and Nat Edwards' discoveries are often frustrating, occasionally freakish, but always fascinating.

Nat Edwards Nat Edwards has worked in museums, galleries and archives for 20 years. Originally studying English and theatre, but seduced by the lure of museum basements, his delight is in creating exhibitions and events that open up history to new audiences. He works for the National Library of Scotland and is a director of the Scottish Museums Council. Nat also holds the rank of 3rd Dan at Kendo.