Much has been written about the relationship between Mary, Queen of Scots and the various men in her life, especially her husbands and alleged lovers. Far less has been said about the women she knew. In this book, Rosalind K. Marshall shows that her female friends, relatives and servants had strong personalities with interesting and dramatic lives of their own.

Deeside is intimately connected with the Royal family, and this fascinating account of one of Scotland's most beautiful and evocative areas is the story of Royal Deeside and how it acquired its name.