Books
The Scotsman who aided Lord Wellington
This is a long overdue account of a man who played a crucial role in Scotland’s military alongside Lord Wellington, Commander-in-Chief of the British Army in 1827. George Murray’s life was one of intelligence, loyalty and unexpected scandal. Harding-Edgar carefully documents Murray’s life while depicting in great detail the complex historical tapestry which acts as…
Read MoreA stunning collection of photography from Skye
When visiting Skye or the West Coast of Scotland more generally, most of us cross our fingers and pray for sunshine. However, the same cannot be said for photographer Morten Hansen. Inspired by the Viking explorers who first christened Skye ‘cloud island’, Hansen sets out to present the island in all its rainy glory –…
Read MoreDesigns on success in creative Edinburgh
With its beautiful architecture, world heritage status, and world-class art galleries and museums, Edinburgh is a city which is truly steeped in creative history. Although a walk through the Georgian splendour of the New Town or the winding, medieval streets of the Old Town makes the city’s charm evident, what is not so obvious is…
Read MoreThe perfect companion to the world of flyfishing
While I’m yet to develop any kind of interest in flyfishing and its paraphernalia, if the notion should arrive, Steve Woit’s book would probably be my first port of call. Filled with interviews from the worldwide community of collectors and enthusiasts along with photographs and posters spanning hundreds of years, it’s both informative and engaging.…
Read MoreDark Suits and Sad Songs has humour and darkness
The third in the DCI Daley thriller series, Dark Suits and Sad Songs is simultaneously dark and funny. A senior civil servant has committed suicide and two local drug-dealers lie dead, so when strange lights start appearing in the sky over Kinloch it’s clear there are dark forces at work. Now the fate of the…
Read MoreRoyal Celtic Society’s history brought to book
The history of the first 200 years of the Royal Celtic Society has been marked in a new book. Priscilla Scott has chronicled the history in The Royal Celtic Society 1820–2020, a lavishly illustrated history of this little-known organisation, published to celebrate its bicentenary. The society (which did not become ‘Royal’ until 1873) was founded…
Read MoreCasting a Gaelic eye over Scotland’s place names
A comprehensive field guide to Scotland’s Gaelic landscape has been released, in an expanded and updated second edition. Reading the Gaelic Landscape, by John Murray, helps people to interpret the Highland landscape through place names, while the landscape character and history are perceived through a Gaelic lens. Following the success of the first edition, this…
Read MoreA dog’s tail is a heartwarming story for wee ones
After his mother’s death, Josh is sent to live with his uncle on a farm on a remote Scottish island. One day he comes across an abandoned border collie puppy. Josh breaks his uncle’s strict no-pets policy by keeping the puppy in secret. When his deceit is discovered, it threatens everything. Perfect for younger readers,…
Read MoreThis gripping novel will hook you until the end
Psychologist Dr Angie Lawrence, director of the new Hazelnut Assessment Centre for difficult adolescents in Orkney, is known for her odd yet effective methods. As her husband becomes increasingly worried about these methods, Angie’s tragic past starts to come to light. This is a gripping novel that will keep your attention. The Crazy Psychologist, by…
Read MoreEdinburgh’s old town in prose, poetry and photos
Renowned storyteller John Fee offers a unique insight into Edinburgh’s Old Town. This is a book that blends prose, poetry and photography to bring to life this famous part of Edinburgh. A lot of effort has clearly gone into collecting the various stories, making this an enlightening read even for locals who’ve lived here all…
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