Books
The intriguing stories of an Edinburgh landmark
Calton Hill: Journeys and Evocations is an interesting collection of history and folklore on one of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks. Told by means of prose, poetry, photography and history, this is not a guide book for the casual tourist. There are plenty of images to highlight the tales, although the monochrome format is unusually dated…
Read MoreA complete history of the beautiful town of Hawick
Hawick: A History From Earliest Times truly covers the history of Hawick, taking the reader right back to pre-history. Alistair Moffat takes the narrative much further back into the mists of prehistory, to the time of the Romans, the coming of the Angles and the Normans. He recounts how Hawick got its name, where the…
Read MoreScotland’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…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreScots 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…
Read MoreDaunderlust – 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…
Read MoreStrathallan 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…
Read MoreScottish 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…
Read MoreA 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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