Dear Mr Cornwell, It is only in the last few years that I began to read the Sharpe series of books and I am still working my way through the list. Most enjoyable! Although a Canadian, I have visited Scotland many times, and last year I stayed in a castle near Inverness. What is interesting is that the woman of the house whose family comes from a strong militiary background claims to have the Tippo gem from his turban. Is this of any interest to you, or another ‘wild goose chase’? Let me know. Thanks Scott Braid