Books
MacCloud falls is an absorbing and pleasant read
Scottish antiquarian Gilbert travels to British Columbia to research an early settler he believes may have been his runaway grandfather. Here, he strikes up an unexpected connection with a woman he meets on the plane. Beautifully descriptive and almost lyrical in parts, I was transfixed by the vibrant scenery. If you like short, punchy chapters…
Read MoreShedding new light on Bonnie Prince Charlie
Reminiscences of a Jacobite: The Untold Story of the Rising of 1745 is based around a Bonnie Prince Charlie letter purchased in 2002. Author Michael Nevin believes it shows Stuart to be a more charismatic and courageous figure than usually portrayed. Although the author’s position as Chair of the 1745 Association suggests his sympathy to…
Read MoreA handy guide on teaching yourself new life skills
When this breezeblock-sized hardback book – subtitled ‘214 Things You Can Actually Learn How to Do’ – slammed onto my desk I must admit that I almost laughed. This is like one of those pre-internet general interest books we used to have in the seventies. Unlike tongue-in-cheek retro tomes such as The Dangerous Book For…
Read MoreThe incredible life of Scottish icon Stanley Baxter
This authorised biography has generated headlines because in it 95-year-old Stanley Baxter comes out as gay, yet there is so much more to this account of the actor’s life than that revelation. This jauntily-written book is a veritable treasure trove of anecdotes that shine a light on one of Scotland’s most beloved, yet most enigmatic,…
Read MoreIt’s a dog’s life with internet sensation Labradors
The moment this book, Olive, Mabel & Me: Life and Adventures with Two Very Good Dogs landed on the desk, there were gasps of excitement. Written by one of the most recognisable voices in sports broadcasting, Andrew Cotter tells of his adventures with his two faithful Labradors, Olive and Mabel, who became internet sensations during…
Read MoreA perfect guide to Scots flora and fauna for children
Aimed squarely at the primary-school market, this highly educational atlas covers all the major fauna of Scotland. The book is split into four main sections – sea and coast; mountains and forests; rivers and lochs; and grasslands. We then learn a little about all of the creatures that live in each area. It’s presented in…
Read MoreA fascinating look at Scotland’s military aerodromes
The depth of Malcolm Fife’s knowledge on this niche subject of military aerodromes is staggering. Granted, it is highly academic reading, but the legions of history buff s with a thirst for all things Air Force-related will love picking this up on a rainy afternoon. Exploring everything from RAF Donibristle, which was once used as…
Read MoreClanlands is an astonishingly gripping travelogue
Sometimes you just have to admit when you are wrong, and this is one of those (rare) occasions. I started this book with a heavy heart, but by the time I’d finished I was sorry I’d managed to whizz through this quirky Scottish travelogue quite so quickly. Heughan and McTavish, in case you’ve never heard…
Read MoreGorge yourself on a celebration of all things cheese
As a turophile – the official term for a lover of cheese – The Philosophy of Cheese was a glorious read. Cheese guru Patrick Rance once wrote that ‘a slice of good cheese is never just a thing to eat, it’s usually a slice of local history: agricultural, political or ecclesiastical’ and this book backs…
Read MoreVikings, huge crustaceans and a helpful seagull
The basis of A Large Measure of Snow is that in December 1967, with all roads to the town of Kinloch cut off by snow, its fishing fleet sets off for Girvan in search of food. On board one boat, the Girl Maggie, is first mate Hamish, who has – to everyone’s amazement – been…
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