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Firebrand: The Truth they tried to Hide
In 1985, Willie McRae, the lawyer and ex-Vice Chairman of the Scottish National Party was found on a lonely hillside near Loch Loyne in Scotland. He had survived a car crash but was later discovered to have a bullet in his brain. Was it self-inflicted as the authorities announced with considerable haste or was it state sponsored murder?
Firebrand explores all aspects of the shooting including the controversial political career of Willie McRae and poses questions seeking the possible motives which may have prompted his murder. McRae's victories over the Atomic Energy Authority, his access to files accusing the Scottish Judiciary and the UK's political elite, his war on drugs and his support of the Scottish National Liberation Army are all investigated.
Interviews and statements from many of those involved on that fateful day are included and photographic evidence is provided which raise considerable doubts as to the safety of the Crown's assertions.
Firebrand explores all aspects of the shooting including the controversial political career of Willie McRae and poses questions seeking the possible motives which may have prompted his murder. McRae's victories over the Atomic Energy Authority, his access to files accusing the Scottish Judiciary and the UK's political elite, his war on drugs and his support of the Scottish National Liberation Army are all investigated.
Interviews and statements from many of those involved on that fateful day are included and photographic evidence is provided which raise considerable doubts as to the safety of the Crown's assertions.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 22, 2026
Another shady death of a thorn-in-the-side political figure.
The author makes it clear that he is not an authority figure on the conspiracy, and makes frequent reference to blogger who supplied much of the information that appears in this book. Think of this then, not as an original study, but something of a compilation of evidence past and present.
The author does an OK job of narrating the background and sequence of events leading up to McRae's demise. The author helpfully adds a summary of contradicting evidence on the case at the end of the, which helps to tie up everything and acts as a good recap of points made for the reader.
The author provides a number of screenshots of intel and documents throughout. This was a good addition. Sadly, a lot of these are very small, and consequently difficult to read. Some of these are quite crucial, such as the locus diagram for McRae's Volvo at the crime scene.
There were a couple of minor typos throughout. At one point, the author, perhaps mistakenly, uses the same lengthy quote just a couple of pages apart, leading to the most bizarre moment of déjà vu.
The book cover is rather basic and non-descript.
Overall, it was a decent book on an interesting case that would likely have been memory holed were it not for the efforts of those who go against the government narrative.
A decent commentary on the case, but you're probably better off reading that blog instead.
2.5/5
The author makes it clear that he is not an authority figure on the conspiracy, and makes frequent reference to blogger who supplied much of the information that appears in this book. Think of this then, not as an original study, but something of a compilation of evidence past and present.
The author does an OK job of narrating the background and sequence of events leading up to McRae's demise. The author helpfully adds a summary of contradicting evidence on the case at the end of the, which helps to tie up everything and acts as a good recap of points made for the reader.
The author provides a number of screenshots of intel and documents throughout. This was a good addition. Sadly, a lot of these are very small, and consequently difficult to read. Some of these are quite crucial, such as the locus diagram for McRae's Volvo at the crime scene.
There were a couple of minor typos throughout. At one point, the author, perhaps mistakenly, uses the same lengthy quote just a couple of pages apart, leading to the most bizarre moment of déjà vu.
The book cover is rather basic and non-descript.
Overall, it was a decent book on an interesting case that would likely have been memory holed were it not for the efforts of those who go against the government narrative.
A decent commentary on the case, but you're probably better off reading that blog instead.
2.5/5
April 8, 2023
This is a fascinating review of the circumstances surrounding the mysterious death of Willie McRae. The author makes it clear that the current explanation - suicide by gunshot to right temple - is unsustainable, and marshals a coherent case of law enforcement involvement. It is doubtful -short of a confession - that what actually happened on that road to Kintail in April 1985 will ever be fully explained.
July 30, 2022
Loved this book. It casts a fairly forensic eye over the events, evidence and contradictions in the case.
November 17, 2022
in depth and intriguing
A very good exploration on the mysterious death of a Scottish firebrand. Could have done with a bit more investigating of those purporting to be concerned re the victims mental health. A good read.
A very good exploration on the mysterious death of a Scottish firebrand. Could have done with a bit more investigating of those purporting to be concerned re the victims mental health. A good read.
March 31, 2023
It made me so angry to read the machinations of those in power in covering up their gross unacceptable actions. The man in the street who wanted to “ spill the beans “ about their criminal activities would be silenced by any means possible - in this case by murder made to look like suicide.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews