Books
A guide to the best whiskies on the planet
Noting drams from Scotland, Ireland, the United States, Japan, India and the rest of the world, 1001 Whiskies You Must Try Before You Die is a must-read for any adventurous whisky enthusiast. From age-old Scottish classics like Springbank to new and emerging whiskies in Japan, this book celebrates the unique and incredible world of whisky…
Read MoreThe Tootle-Hooter is a fun read for the wee ones
A new humorous Scottish book for children based around the Highlands, wildlife and bagpipes has been released. Jan Hannah, who lived in Kirriemuir, is the writer of The Tootle-Hooter and Bluebell’s Stolen Smile. Jan’s lived an extraordinary life, having been born in Scotland before moving to Australia as a child, then returned at the age…
Read MoreCelebrating the gems of Scotland’s great outdoors
Author Mike Cawthorne first walked on Ben Nevis at aged seven. This is when he began to gain his extensive knowledge and experience of Britain’s highest points. In this book he shares his vast and fascinating experiences of walking and canoeing in one of the few remaining wild places in the Highlands as well as…
Read MoreSeparate the myths from the medieval truths
Chris Brown uniquely retells the captivating story of William Wallace’s life. William Wallace of Elderslie, younger son of a country knight, came to fame through his active opposition to the aggressive imperialism of England’s King Edward I. From political and social obscurity he seized control of the reins of government and became the first leader…
Read MoreThe perfect book for every Scottish kitchen
Sue Lawrence, author of Scottish Baking, has been described as ‘arguably the greatest living Scottish cookery writer.’ Written by Scottish journalist and food writer, this pretty and useful baking guide can be used by anyone from the complete beginner to the most experienced home cook. Filled with 70 Scottish recipes (both sweet and savoury) from…
Read MoreThe essential guide for Scotland’s gardeners
This book is a compact colour guide of the largest survey of Scottish gardens ever mounted and the first such guidebook to all that Scotland can offer garden and plant lovers. It’s an updated must-have guide for anyone with even the slightest interest in gardens. Covering everything from the basic essentials to the most specialist…
Read MoreFive great books to help you through winter
The dark nights are still here and the brightly-coloured lights are down. To brighten up our evenings, the Rare Birds Book Club is suggesting some winter reads to keep us entertained. – 2021 Rare Birds Books founder Rachel Wood has compiled her top winter reads to see you through the blustery nights and frosty mornings.…
Read MoreA new take on the Battle of Bannockburn
In Scotland, history and politics often become entangled. For some, the past is a source of inspiration for the future. For others, it becomes a salutary lesson in what mistakes to avoid. The one thing Scottish history is not is dead, fit only for scholars and schoolchildren. The Battle of Bannockburn (23-24 June, 1314) was…
Read MoreCelebrating the wonderful Cairngorms
Writer and outdoor enthusiast Patrick Baker shares his fascinating experiences of visiting the wilderness that is the Cairngorms. He makes historical discoveries and has many tales to tell of his experiences in this area of great natural beauty. In places untouched by humans in recent years, he tries to rediscover an area of Scottish history…
Read MoreBroken rules, lost money and customers violated
The fall of Royal Bank of Scotland in 2008 was arguably one of the most disastrous events within the world of finance in more than 50 years. Ian Fraser recalls where it all went wrong for one of the biggest money making businesses that came just hours away from complete collapse. Fraser asks how and…
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