February 20

1364 – Marriage of King David II and Margaret Drummond

On February 20, 1364, King David II of Scotland married Margaret Drummond, the widow of Sir John Logie and daughter of Sir Malcolm Drummond. Despite their union, the marriage did not produce any heirs, and David II later sought a divorce on the grounds of infertility.

1472 – Orkney and Shetland Annexed to Scotland

The islands of Orkney and Shetland were officially annexed by Scotland under an Act of Parliament. Originally pledged by Norway as part of the dowry for Princess Margaret of Denmark when she married James III of Scotland, the islands remained under Scottish control when the Danish king, Christian I, was unable to pay the full amount.

1874 – Birth of Mary Garden

Renowned operatic soprano Mary Garden was born in Aberdeen on this day. She gained international acclaim for her performances in both Europe and the United States, particularly for her interpretations of French opera. She became one of the most famous sopranos of her era.

1902 – Death of David MacGibbon

David MacGibbon, an influential Scottish architect and historian, passed away in Edinburgh. He was a partner in the architectural firm MacGibbon and Ross and is best remembered for his extensive multi-volume works documenting Scotland’s castles and churches. His research remains a vital source for historians and conservationists.

1992 – Death of Isobel Wylie Hutchison

Isobel Wylie Hutchison, a pioneering Arctic traveler, author, and botanist, died near Kirkliston. She was known for her solo explorations of Greenland and the Arctic, often traveling long distances on foot. Her writings and research contributed valuable information about the remote regions she visited, making her one of Scotland’s most remarkable female explorers.