As non-biased reader (no Scottish roots or ties), I found this a good book. Its coverage of the Scottish Enlightenment is excellent - and this is the best part of the book. He covers both the individuals and their theories very well and its highly readable. However, after he moves on from the Enlightenment, it becomes quite tenuous. Claiming the Scots were responsible for the British Empire, America and Canada is a little bit of a stretch? Also, this book can be a bit of a heavy read at times.