Scotland’s major conflicts in one book

For somebody taking a stroll on the barren fields of the Highlands to enjoy the immense peace and tranquility of the place today, it can be hard to imagine that the very same lands were once loud with the battle cries of brave and determined soldiers. They ended up being soaked with the blood of…

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The perfect guide to research your Scots family roots

Tracing Your Scottish Ancestors is great starting point for anyone who has an interest in their Scots roots. It is aimed primarily at family historians who are eager to explore and understand the world in which their ancestors lived. He guides readers through the wealth of material available to researchers in Scotland and abroad. He…

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The sad real-life story of the ‘Victorian Titanic’

Gill Hoffs’ enthusiasm for the subject of The Sinking of the RMS Tayleur and extensive research makes for an absolutely fascinating read . It’s a piece of work scattered with inserts from historical reports and newspaper articles. The book starts by painting a picture of the social and economic problems in 19th century Ireland with…

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Scots authors contribute to new charity anthology book

Scottish writers and youth homelessness charity Rock Trust have join forces to create a new anthology of poetry and prose. All the Way Home features new pieces by iconic Scottish writers including Val McDermid, Scabby Queen author Kirstin Innes, and Luckenbooth author Jenni Fagan, alongside personal essays by those who have experienced youth homelessness and…

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Daunderlust – a book sharing the untold Scots stories

Daunderlust is a beautifully eclectic and eccentric collection of stories about a side of Scotland that is rarely seen by the average visitor (or by many who have lived in the country all their lives). And they certainly has never been mentioned in VisitScotland’s ongoing campaign to promote Scottish culture and encourage tourism. But, like…

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Strathallan Prep School opens new library on World Book Day

A new library unveiled today at Strathallan Prep School will open a new chapter of learning for children aged 7 to 13 years old. The reading neuk, named after former Strathallan student Adam Pattinson, will allow pupils to explore the world of books in their own time. Adam was a popular teacher at Craigclowan School…

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Scottish readers love their book festivals – it’s official

New research released for World Book Day reveals the immense contribution of the country’s book festivals and the importance of ensuring they can return to full strength after the pandemic. A survey covering nearly half the country’s 60+ book festivals shows that in 2019 they attracted audiences of almost 780,000 (410,000+ in person), featuring 2,800…

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A well-researched look at who the Picts were

The first time I heard about the Picts, the ancient people of the North of Scotland, I was hooked. My dad told me all about them during a trip to visit family in Aberdeen, and my imagination went into overtime, imagining who they were, and where they lived compared to where I was visiting. The…

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It’s definitely worth trying to grab hold of Letting Go

Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing, according to the old song (and film). And it most definitely is in Letting Go: A Timeline of Tales, by Gerda Stevenson. The Twelve Stories in Letting Go take us on a journey through landscape, language and turbulent times, from the mid-19th century to the present day, and into the…

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Scotland’s capital shown literally in a different light

When people visit Scotland, something they always notice is the weather. You can never quite guarantee that it will be the same two days in a row – look at the past week, for example – heavy rain and wind on Saturday, and Sunday was like a cool summer’s day. This inclement weather has been…

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