Books
The essential viewpoints to see in Scotland
More than simply a catalogue of view indicators (which identify surrounding features in the landscape), 349 Views of Scotland is a celebration of the breath-taking sights across the country. It also tells the inspiring story of those who sought to make them understood. Following in the footsteps of 1938 mountaineer Ben Humble, David Squires has…
Read MoreConservation at the heart of debut novel
Starting from humble beginnings on a typical gap year and fuelled by his growing passion for marine conservation, we follow Thomas Durant’s fascinating journey from student to marine activist in The Activist. Scottish author Alec Connon’s debut novel tells the tale of Durant’s decade-long involvement in animal rights activism, from his first tentative steps into…
Read MoreCelebrating Caithness in the eyes of a poet
Described as a poet’s journey to the far north of Scotland, The Province of the Cat explores the wilderness of Caithness through the eyes of poet and playwright George Gunn. Looking at its landscape, people, culture and history, as well as the myths, folklore and fusion of Norse and Gaelic cultures, Gunn describes the truly…
Read MoreA handy recipe book from the Young Farmers
The Young Farmers’ Cookbook marks the 75th anniversary of the organisation, and its success in bringing together young people interested in agriculture and the countryside across Scotland. The cookbook itself details a wide variety of the hearty and wholesome food one would expect from such an institution. Giving clear, no-nonsense instructions, this is perfect for those…
Read MoreMagic and mystery await in The Shadow Keeper
With the rise of the Shadow Masks and their dark magic imminent, Moll Pecksniff must find the Amulet of Truth to stop the evil takeover. Accompanied by pet wildcat Gryff and best friends Alfie and Sid, Moll faces monsters, smugglers and ancient codes in her quest to save the Old Magic. Abi Elphinstone’s second instalment…
Read MoreA mix of storytelling, mystery and building
Ann Craig awaits her mill owner husband’s return on the dark and stormy night of 29 December 1879, in The Night He Left by Sue Lawrence. As she looks out from her window across to the River Tay, she sees the newly built iron rail bridge buckle and collapse, throwing the train he is travelling…
Read MoreA photographic celebration of our lighthouses
A triumph of photography, Ian Cowe captures the majesty of Scotland and the Isle of Man’s lighthouses. Cowe’s fabulous images show the earliest 17th-century lighthouses, now historic monuments, as well as the towering and intricate designs of the Stevenson family, who battled the elements for 150 years to keep the shipping communities of Scotland safe.…
Read MoreThe ideal read when you’re going on holiday
When writer Paul Stewart heads to the Italian town of Montalcino to finish his book, it seems like the perfect escape in My Italian Bulldozer. On landing, however, things take a turn for the worse when he discovers his hired car is nowhere to be found. With no other cars available, it looks like Paul…
Read MoreEvocative portrait of life in the 21st century
Johnny’s return from London to stay with best friend Stevie in rural Fife is the final admission that his dreams of being an artist are over, in Three Craws by James Yorkston. On the bus home he meets Mikey, a low-level dealer from the area. As Johnny tries to get his life on track, Mikey…
Read MoreDiscovering the darker side of her family tree
Cal Flyn was holidaying at her childhood home in the Highlands of Scotland when she stumbled upon a little-known, dark family secret. The journalist discovered that her great-great-great uncle, Angus McMillan, who had been mythologised as a great explorer and pioneer of early Australia, had in fact been the leader of a number of gruesome…
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