Books
An exciting tale set in medieval Europe
Neil Oliver, historian and charismatic presenter of BBC’s Coast, tells the exciting and fictional tale of a young Scot who sets off on a great journey across medieval Europe to fulfil a death-bed promise. Older children and teenagers will love the rich narrative and scintillating story-line inspired by real historical characters. Master of Shadows, by…
Read MoreEverything you wanted to know about whisky
If you’ve ever had a question about whisky, this book is sure to answer it. Written by three chaps who are leading experts in all things boozy, the book strips things back to the very beginning and attempts to uncover how the world’s obsession with the ‘water of life’ began. Including stunning images and recipes,…
Read MoreCelebrating the military units of Scotland
This extensive catalogue of Scottish military units raised throughout the world is sure to satisfy both military and tartan enthusiasts alike. The result of a labour of love, Alastair Campbell has put together an incredibly detailed resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the Scots’ global military might and impeccable style. Units include…
Read MoreVivid dramatic writing brings Sky Dance to life
You can almost feel the dramatic changes in temperature, so descriptive and atmospheric is John D Burns’ writing in Sky Dance. Set on a fictional Scottish island, this is a story based on very real issues affecting the wilderness in the Highlands of Scotland. As land owners clash with environmental protestors, the arguments are all…
Read MorePoems and pictures celebrate Edinburgh
Aspects of Edinburgh is a book of poems which is seamlessly punctuated with delicate drawings by John Knight. Through Conn’s words and Knight’s images, they manage to translate the feeling of Edinburgh onto paper. Having spent two decades living in Glasgow, Conn observes the folk of Edinburgh with fresh eyes and notices things in a…
Read MoreA gripping adventure in 19th century Scotland
The Crown Agent is an intriguing murder mystery set against the dramatic backdrop of eerie harbours, grand stately homes and a Scottish landscape which almost acts as a character in its own right. Dr Mungo Lyon, a surgeon in 1829 Edinburgh, is shunned professionally after the horrifying scandal of Burke & Hare is revealed. The…
Read MoreThe Samaritans will benefit from short story sales
A Scots author is donating the proceeds from his short story The Fright Before Christmas to the Samaritans. Jonathan Whitelaw, from Glasgow, has written a unique, one-off special festive tale starring Ol’ Nick himself. Out on the cold on the very first Christmas Eve, he’s given some Divine company as three travellers make their way…
Read MoreA taste of Scotland’s islands captured in print
One thing that matches the richness of Scotland’s produce is its spectacular landscapes. When these two things are combined with a gentle peppering of history, it makes for perfectly balanced reading. This book sees food writer and journalist Sue Lawrence travel around some of our country’s many islands, speaking to producers and cooks, gleaning delicious…
Read MoreA journey into reality, folklore and legend
Caught between a physical journey in reality and a world of folklore and legend, this book takes the reader on a voyage that goes much deeper than most travel books. Years after the untimely death of his beloved aunt, Marsden is determined to complete a solo sail from his home in Cornwall, around the west…
Read MoreA fascinating guide to Scotland’s railways
Scotland contains some of the most beautiful railways in the world – indeed the West Highland Line is consistently voted as such. Michael Cobb’s atlas seeks to explore the relationships between railways and their landscapes, the villages and towns they dissect and the quiet countryside they disrupt. Cobb was clearly incredibly passionate about maps and…
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