Posts by Kenny Smith
Celebrating the capital in words and pictures
Edinburgh means different things to many people. In this book, the product of a collaboration between photographer Allan Wright and poet Gerda Stevenson, the interaction of their dual perspectives on the capital makes for a different take on the traditional Edinburgh coffee table book. Eighty-seven photographs are accompanied by 22 new poems, some in Scots,…
Read MoreA handy guide to the Battle of Bannockburn
Battle Story: Bannockburn 1314 is a handy sized guide to one of the most significant battles between Scotland and England. Maps, images and time lines help to make this an extremely accessible read, while the profiles of leaders make an interesting addition to the story of the battle. A great account of the events of…
Read MoreMarking Scottish Opera’s first half century
50 Years of Scottish Opera: A Celebration is a hefty but well put together coffee table book spanning half a century of Scottish Opera. The book is, as you would expect, packed with fabulous photographs of the productions that have been put on over these five decades. These are punctuated by quotes, anecdotes, memories and…
Read MoreFrom the heart – our top 10 romantic poems
Forget flowers and chocolates this Valentine’s Day and instead woo your sweetheart the old-fashioned way. We present our top ten love poems. 1. Robert Burns: ‘A Red, Red Rose’ Revered by the Russians, adored by the Americans and generally feted around the globe, Robert Burns, ‘The Bard’, is Scotland’s foremost cultural icon. A pioneer of…
Read MoreHow Scotland spread out to influence the world
Scotland’s Global Empire is a well-written and impeccably researched guide to some fascinating and lesser known characters and their magnificent achievements. I found the lack of images and the sheer weight of words within this chronicle a problem, making it difficult to get started on and impossible to pick up and devour in small chunks,…
Read MoreA five bedroom property in a plush location
An impressive bespoke five bedroom villa located near Glasgow is now on the property market. Traditionally built by John Dickie Homes, this is a once in a generation opportunity to purchase one of two detached villas set back from Eaglesham Road in Newton Mearns. Presented for sale by Rettie and Co, the property itself offers…
Read MoreAn in-depth look at Britain’s worst rail disaster
The Quintinshill Conspiracy, subtitled ‘The Shocking True Story Behind Britain’s Worst Rail Disaster’, is a comprehensive in-depth look into the horrendous 1915 crash involving five trains that took place at an isolated signal box on the West Coast main line from London to Glasgow, half a mile north-west of Gretna. At this time the railways…
Read MoreA spacious property offering a modern lifestyle
Highpoint is a substantial detached house, which offers the perfect balance of modern and traditional living. Highpoint, presented for sale by Galbraith, sits in an elevated position with the design encapsulating the outstanding views over the golf course and Tay Valley beyond. The house provides generous and flexible accommodation, ideally set up for family living…
Read MoreA laugh out loud read of history through Scots eyes
I literally laughed out loud at this hilarious wee book, If History Was Scottish. These are choice quotes from the biggest players, spoken at the most important moments in history. The twist is that they have been changed to reflect what a Scot would have said at that time and place. I can just imagine…
Read MoreGreat views and potential to extend a spacious property
A well-positioned family home with wonderful views has been brought to the property market. Presented for sale by Savills, Achnacloich, near Helensburgh, is a spacious and well positioned property with tremendous potential to extend and develop (subject to acquiring the necessary consents). Externally the stone and slate give a traditional appearance while internally the spacious…
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