Books
A compelling account of highs and lows in India
A compelling and mesmerising account of India under a turbulent century of British rule, The Tears of the Rajas is a sweeping history of the British in India, seen through the experiences of a single Scottish family – author Ferdinand Mount’s ancestors, the Lows of Clatto. It tells the story of three intertwined families: The…
Read MoreThe life and times of the real Katie Morag
Creating the island of Struay and its flame-haired heroine Katie Morag has been a labour of love for Mairi Hedderwick – a nomadic, animal-loving illustrator, author and accidental feminist. I first went to the island of Coll when I was 18. It had a big influence on my writing and drawing. I lived there on…
Read MoreIntense decisions to be made on a Scots isle
This diary-style account follows a recently widowed artist, Lenka Majewska, and a historian, Ella Collingwood, who have just arrived in the village of Balvaig, on the Scottish Isle of Soma. In what first seemed a haven of tranquillity the characters soon have intense decisions to make for their future. The second volume of the Balvaig…
Read MoreWhen a couple’s lives go their Separate Ways
Inverness-shire-based author Ryan Coull takes us on a long, emotional journey along with Dottie Hawthorn, a popular schoolteacher whose marriage is on the brink of collapse. With her irresponsible husband Billy intimidating her and causing her pain, she only has one option – leave him and move on. However, Billy is determined to make her…
Read MoreThe story of a family’s move to Scotland from Sri Lanka
The Land of Lost Content is a personal account of Sureshini Sanders’ life. It details her triumphs and struggles as her family came to Scotland to start a new life, escaping the civil war in Sri Lanka. This true story explores love of country and people as, amid heart-rending stories, Sanders talks about the cultural…
Read MoreA children’s book given a Scottish twist
Translated into Scots by James Robertson and illustrated by Lydia Monks, Whit The Clockleddy Heard is another addition to Itchy Coo’s fantastic range of books for children is a Scots version of this new story by the author of The Gruffalo. In this innovative introduction to the Scots language, we meet two crafty robbers, a…
Read MoreEnjoy Christmas with the queen of romantic comedies
The festive season is on the way, and that can only mean one thing – there’s a Jenny Colgan book on the way. Scotland’s queen of the romantic comedy, originally from Prestwick in Ayrshire, is back with An Island Christmas, which is published on 31 October in paperback. The beautiful island of Mure takes centre…
Read MoreThe Corries’ Ronnie Brown – in his own words
From playing upstairs in bars to sell-out shows and stadium appearances, folk singer Ronnie Browne has more than one story to tell. One half of famous duo The Corries until the untimely death of his musical partner Roy Williamson in 1990, Ronnie has many stories to share about the behind-the-scenes graft and family life that…
Read MoreAn insight into the life of Robert the Bruce
A new and revealing portrait of Robert the Bruce is being released in December. Based on primary sources, The Champion of A Nation is the story behind the legend during the turmoil of the First Scottish Wars of Independence. Writer Stephen Spinks said: ‘Robert the Bruce is a man of both history and legend. In…
Read MoreShort stories and varied lives in The Way Out
The Way Out is a compilation of short stories depicting the dilemmas, desires and disappointments of men and women, young and old. Vicki Jarrett explores these people’s lives and their trials and tribulations in relationships, the economy and society. The Way Out is an impressive assemblage of heart-warming yet chilling cases, brimming with stark truths…
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