Curse of Scotland

Curse of Scotland, a term popularly applied to the nine of diamonds in a pack of playing-cards. Perhaps the least worthless of the many explanations offered is that it involves a reference to the detestation entertained in Scotland towards John Dalrymple, first Earl of Stair, on account of his activity in promoting the Union, and especially for his share in the Massacre of Glencoe. His heraldic bearings, 'or, on a saltire azure, nine lozenges of the field,' bore a fanciful resemblance to the nine of diamonds.