Greek Inscriptions in Fife and the North

"The whole is greater than the parts," Aristotle

A very appropriate quote to bring to Rotary, which is very much the some of its parts.

The Greek inscription is one of many spotted and immortalised in Ian McHaffie's new book, Greek Inscriptions of Fife and the North, which he brought to the Club on 18th July. Ian has spotted many inscriptions dotted around Scotland, his book is a second volume following one focused on Edinburgh, likely to be followed in the future by a third volume focusing on the west of Scotland. Ian is a retired teacher of Classics and very much an active author.

Ian has scoured graveyards, libraries and many buildings around Scotland to find and translate Greek inscriptions, which often connect with stories that illuminate our history and the scholars that developed early mathematics, philosophy, science and our diplomatic links with the wider world. Bringing these stories to life, Ian also preserves the Greek inscriptions in print, because they are vulnerable to disappearing as buildings, collections and paintings are developed or refurbished.

Asked how he found so many inscriptions, Ian confessed that he has not been above bribery. He offered chocolate bars to former students who could find him inscriptions, an offer he extended to Leith Rotary members.

Happy hunting - ideally it will increase your step count so that you earn the extra calories.