Books
A historical novel that’s so intense it feels real
Rosemary Goring’s powerful sequel to her critically acclaimed debut After Flodden is set in the tumultuous borderlands of Scotland and England. Dacre’s War is a story of personal and political vengeance at the heart of the power struggle. It has been a decade since the battle at Flodden and the unrest is rife in the…
Read MoreA handy guide to Scotland’s monsters and creatures
From unicorns and dragons to the Ghillie Dhu and Morag of Morhobhar, The Book of Beasties: A Scottish Bestiary of Old is a beautifully illustrated gift book certain to inspire innocently belief-filled questions from children. Posing as the long-lost sketchbook of The Great Clan Chief seems inauthentic but despite this the book maintains a certain…
Read MoreWhen gambling debts lead to a kidnapping
Middle-class parents Victoria and Nicholas Foulkes are distraught when their children are kidnapped against Nicholas’ gambling debts. Penniless and desperate, the couple turn to crime as a way to raise the ransom. Can they save their children before time runs out? New talent Smith delivers a fast-paced page turner in this brilliant and believable debut…
Read MoreOne of Scotland’s oldest books to go on show
One of the first ever works to be printed in Scotland will go on display at the National Library of Scotland at Kelvin Hall on St Andrew’s Day (Saturday 30 November). This copy of the Aberdeen Breviary will be returning to Glasgow for the first time since it was used by Nicholas Ferguson and other…
Read MoreThe Scots who hunted for seabirds to eat
At one stage the sea-bird was commonplace on the Scottish dinner plate; from the puffin to the cormorant. Every year, ten men from Ness on the northern tip of Lewis sail the perilous voyage to Sula Sgeir, and for a fortnight they live and hunt baby gannets on this remote rock. Murray tells their story,…
Read MoreNew book marks the Cairngorms National Park
A year of inspirational writing about life and nature in the Cairngorms National Park has been captured in a new book, which is being launched today (Thursday 21 November). Shared Stories – A Year in the Cairngorms is an anthology exploring how people and nature thrive together. The works have been compiled by the Cairngorms…
Read MoreLaughs to be had with the Big Scottish Book Club
The third episode of the Big Scottish Book Club comes from The Tower Digital Arts Centre in Helensburgh. Host Damian Barr will be talking funny with some of the biggest names in fiction. The episode delivers laughs in abundance but also its own fair share of poignancy with subjects ranging from mental health to childlessness.…
Read MoreThe perfect guide to Scotland’s sacred springs
Holy Wells: Scotland is definitely one for the coffee table. This is Phil Cope’s beautifully illustrated exploration of the sacred springs, wells and spas of Scotland. Haunting photography coupled with well-researched information and opinions allow this book to be glanced and flicked through, or read cover-to-cover, with equal enjoyment. Holy Wells: Scotland, by Phil Cope,…
Read MoreStunning photos in new book – Skye, Cloud Island
A celebration of Skye is set to be published, showcasing stunning photographs taken on the isle. Skirinish Publishing, a small independent publishing company, have published Skye, Cloud Island with photography and text by Morten Hansen. Skye, Cloud Island is a well produced and designed coffee-table book, showcasing the exceptional imagery of Morten. Morten Schmidt Hansen…
Read MoreThis novel treads the fine line between crime and comedy
Fast paced and compelling, Feliks Berisovic arrives from his East European homeland to bring back the great-granddaughter of the last Archduke to Scotland. With the best of intentions he rescues the wrong woman, antagonises a psychopath and shoots an undercover agent, incurring the wrath of everyone, including security forces. And there’s always a danger the…
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