Books
Stirling’s picture past is a joy to behold
One of the joys of visiting cities and towns around Scotland is seeing how much they have changed over the years. I’ve always had an interest in finding pictures of places as they used to be, and then comparing with them in the 21st century, to see how things have evolved and changed. Stirling –…
Read MoreThe amazing real life story of the Shetland ‘Bus’
Sometimes, real life events are so incredible that you’d think they were an elaborate plot from a spy novel. The Shetland ‘Bus’ tells the tale of the clandestine Special Operations Executive plan which from 1942 transported secret agents across the North Sea between Shetland and Norway during World War Two. With Norway under Nazi occupation,…
Read MoreGranite Noir appeals for locals to join the festival
Aberdeen’s award-winning international crime writing festival, Granite Noir, is looking for local writers to share the spotlight with some of the genre’s biggest stars as part of the 2022 festival in February. Locals in the Limelight has been an integral part of the festival since 2018, offering the chance for some of the region’s most…
Read MoreA stunning guide to Mull’s beautiful natural history
If you are the sort of person who normally shies away from guidebooks, I would go as far as guaranteeing that you should reconsider for Wild Mull: A Natural History of the Isle of Mull and its People. Written by Stephen Littlewood, with photography from Martin Jones, this book is both a celebration of the…
Read MoreScotland’s National Book Awards shortlist is out
The Saltire Society has announced the shortlists for the 2021 Scotland’s National Book Awards. The winners of all ten prizes, as well as the Saltire Scottish Book of the Year and the recipient of the second Lifetime Achievement Award, will be announced at a ceremony in Glasgow on Saturday, November 27. Scotland’s National Book Awards,…
Read MoreThe Lord who planned to transform the islands
Lord of the Isles tells the rather unknown story of Lord Leverhulme. In 1918-19, he purchased Harris and Lewis with an ambitious vision to transform the islands into a thriving centre of industry and commerce. With gregarious energy he planned great harbours, factories and travel links, but his plans to abolish the crofting system were…
Read MoreTwelve contenders for this year’s Highland Book Prize
The longlist for the 2021 Highland Book Prize has been revealed. The Highland Book Prize, established in 2017, celebrates the finest published work that recognises the rich talent, landscape and cultural diversity of the Highlands. This annual prize is open to work in fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Presented by the Highland Society of London and…
Read MoreMcCall Smith’s latest novel brings joy and light
There really is no stopping Alexander McCall Smith, with the release of his latest novel, The Joy and Light Bus Company. This is the 22nd installment in the internationally beloved No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series is equally as brilliant as the previous editions. Mma Ramotswe is wary of her husband’s potential business venture and is…
Read MoreA handy guide to some perfect walking days out
Scotland is the ideal country for lovers of the great outdoors, with so many incredible locations to explore and walk. Whether looking for a gentle amble or to scale one of the 21 Munros in the area, this book provides walks for all, from low-level well-trodden trails to strenuous outings in the high mountains. The…
Read MoreA fascinating look at the time of Mary, Queen of Scots
The Survival of the Crown is hefty tome that is definitely one for the history scholar, rather than the casual reader. This is volume two, and the concluding part of Stedall’s heavily researched history of Mary, Queen of Scots, offering a detailed contribution to our understanding of this most significant period in the history of…
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