Professor Chris Whatley
Professor Chris Whatley, OBE, FRSE, is a well-known and widely published Scottish historian.
Latest Book Release
Harvie’s Dyke:
The People, their Liberty and the Clyde
My latest book, Harvie’s Dyke: The People’s Struggle for the Liberty of the Banks of the Clyde is in preparation and will be published by John Donald/Birlinn in June. It is the story of a riot (1823) and a campaign by Glasgow’s people against a tyrannical, upstart landowner who blocked a favourite walkway along the river Clyde. This was a major landmark in rights of way campaigning in Britain and acted as an inspiration for many decades for those involved in similar struggles.
Beautifully written, and presents a richly detailed and fascinating historical narrative. Whatley delves into the island’s past and the people who have made Pabay their home. It’s as much a testimony to how people have shaped the island and how the island has shaped them.
This Odyssey is replete with cases of the past and present colliding, of scandals and skirmishes, pilgrimages and political spats, and it creates a vivid depiction of the many trials, tribulations and joys of island life.
Upcoming Events
MEET PROFESSOR CHRIS WHATLEY IN PERSON
First public discussion of The Triumph of Textiles: Industrial Dundee 1700-1918
March 2025, 6.30 pm, Dalhousie Building, University of Dundee.