Heirs to a proud heritage rooted deep in the ancient soil of Scotland, the Brodies are thought to trace a descent from a sixth-century king of the mysterious confederation of tribes known as the Picts, or "painted people".
While much of their early history is obscured by the dim mists of time, in later centuries many bearers of the name gained high honours and distinction through a colourful range of endeavours and pursuits.
But on a note of infamy, William Brodie was the nineteenth-century Edinburgh cabinet-maker and civic official better known to posterity as Deacon Brodie, who used the skills of his trade to copy keys to cabinets he made for wealthy clients and then rob them; brought to justice, he was publicly hanged in 1788.
Presented here are the colourful and dramatic tales of the Brodies.
