It is a passionately written history of how the Scots have come to speak the way they do and it acted as a catalyst for radical changes in attitude towards the language. Since it was first published in 1986, it has sold 20,000 copies - testimony to the power of its argument and the style, humour and smeddum of its writing. In this completely revised edition, Kay vigorously renews the social, cultural and political debate on Scotland's linguistic future, and argues convincingly for the necessity to retain and extend Scots if the nation is to hold on to the values that have made them what they are as a people. As ever, Kay places Scots in an international context, comparing and contrasting it with other European lesser-used languages, while at home questioning the Scottish Executive's desire to pay anything more than lip service to this crucial part of our national identity. Language is central to people's existence and this vivid account celebrates the survival of Scots in its various dialects, its literature and song - a national treasure that thrives in many parts of the country and underpins the speech of everyone that calls themselves a Scot.