Birds of a feather inspired a modern book

The artwork of an overlooked 19th century ornithologist inspired, and now graces, a modern book on raptors. It is said that you should never judge a book by its cover. However, it was indeed the half a dozen beautiful early Victorian illustrations of birds of prey perching on the lettering of the book’s title that…

Read More

A beautiful guide to the British landscape

From the still waters of the Lake District to the tumultuous winds in West Highland glens, Uncommon Ground: A Word-Lover’s Guide to the British Landscape is a visual glossary that aids those helplessly striving to describe the world around them. This glossary is a monumental celebration of the unique variation of landscape on this peculiar…

Read More

A new account of the Scots at Waterloo

Iain Gale, an art critic,  military historian, journalist and author, draws on modern-day accounts of the Battle of Waterloo and brings to life the individual stories of those who fought. The reader is thrown head first into the chaos of the battle, truly evoking the great sense of the terror endured by the brave cavalry. Read…

Read More

Author is keeping the magic alive this Christmas

Self-published Scottish author Alexander McCabe has written a children’s story that should help parents all over the UK extend the magic of Christmas by providing another reason to keep believing in Santa. With eight being the average age children stop believing in Santa, The Christmas Present introduces children to the concept of their very own…

Read More

A guide to Scotland – through alternative eyes

It’s been a long time since a book has made me genuinely laugh out loud but thanks to Maciejewski, my funny bone was well and truly tickled. By compiling an alphabetical list of the best of the worst observations as told by visitors to Scotland from the 17th to 19th century, this is a read…

Read More

A mystery disappearance in Aberdeenshire

When her mother mysteriously and suddenly disappears, Ellie Rook returns from travelling the world to her family home in rural Aberdeenshire. Unwilling to accept what the rest of her family quickly believe, Ellie desperately searches for answers. Clouded by thoughts of an ancient legend, Ellie must determine fact from fiction while battling her grief. A…

Read More

The latest mystery for the ladies’ detective agency

The 20th book published in the much-loved series The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency is a story of mystery, community and of course, friendship. Alexander McCall Smith injects the usual levels of intelligent charm and wit along with beautifully detailed descriptions of the Botswanian landscape. As ever the question of the female identity is explored as…

Read More

Book festival appoints school writer in residence

The Edinburgh International Book Festival has appointed its new schools writer in residence. Leyla Josephine takes the post for Citizen, as part of the next phase of its year-round programme taking the Book Festival On The Road. Citizen is a long-term creative programme working in partnership with organisations in and around Edinburgh, listening to people’s…

Read More

Discover the Jacobites from outside of Scotland

When contemplating the subject of the Jacobites, thoughts turn to Bonnie Prince Charlie, Culloden and more recently, the hunky but fictional Jamie Fraser from Outlander. What many people – historians included – have often failed to consider is that not all Jacobites were Scottish. In this book Desmond Seward attempts to reveal a much more…

Read More

A Scottish golfing guide that’s well up to par

For anyone looking to tick a few world famous golf courses off their bucket list, The Golf Lover’s Guide to Scotland provides all the details you might need to make the planning as seamless as possible. Information includes slope rating, whether you need to show a handicap certificate, caddie hire options and dress code so…

Read More