The Pirate is set in the latter part of the 17th century. This time period has been the focus of a dozen books I have read in the past year in order to become better acquainted with the highly active political struggles. This novel was a bit different because the volatile Catholic/Protestant conflicts were entirely absent. I found it interesting that the residents of the northern islands had a more peaceful Catholic/Pagan coexistence.
Scott was only familiar with the Orkney and Shetland islands because of a tour he took several years earlier. His main character was loosely based on a pirate he encountered in his studies of that particular trade in the northern islands.
I enjoyed this book and plan on a whisky tasting/murder mystery dinner with single malts from Orkney. Let me know if you would like an invite.
