Books
Writers aged over 40 invited to apply for national award
The Scottish Book Trust has announced that the Next Chapter Award 2020 is open for applications. Now in its sixth year, the award from the independent national charity transforming lives through reading and writing, seeks submissions from talented yet unpublished writers over the age of 40. The Next Chapter Award supports an emerging writer for…
Read MoreThe general who led an incredibly military career
General Sir Ralph Abercromby led an extraordinary life – he twice served as an MP, was appointed governor of Trinidad, Commander-in-Chief of Ireland. He was highly respected by his troops and this in-depth, absorbing read covers the French Revolutionary Wars, a critical time in Europe’s tumultuous political history. Though it requires intense concentration, and with…
Read MoreA handy guide to the various gins of Scotland
There has never been a more exciting time for gin producers in Scotland. But the crowded market (there are around 300 Scottish gins) can sometimes make it confusing to know which to buy. Putting together a helpful guide to the nation’s gins, Fiona Laing tells the stories of the spirits of Scotland – from the…
Read MoreCrime writer celebrates Scottish landscapes
Ordinarily known for her best-selling crime writing, Val McDermid has departed from her typical style, providing a unique take on the Scottish landscape. In My Scotland, she revisits the places she has known all her life, collating a lifetime of remarkable memories in one beautifully presented book. Relating tales in an eff ortless style, she…
Read MoreMonsters and more in a book for the wee ones
For a child, there’s nothing scarier than a story with monsters – but they always lose in the end. Lea Taylor has tapped into traditional Scots stories of our beasties, and written some new tales which will terrify and entertain children in equal measure. With stories like The Greedy Trows of Orkney and Kelpie Capers,…
Read MoreNew writers given a chance to shine at festival
Aberdeen’s crime fiction festival, Granite Noir, will be back for a fourth year in 2020 – with plans already underway for the biggest and most ambitious event yet. Having established itself as one of Scotland’s signature literature festivals, Granite Noir has doubled its attendance levels since its inception in 2017. Each year, the Locals in…
Read MoreScotland’s Islands beautifully captured in print
Scotland’s incredible natural beauty is captured perfectly in the lavish Scotland’s Islands, which is so beautifully presented to the reader. The photography of island enthusiast Allan Wright is stunning and shows off places we may have visited, and indeed many places that most of us won’t have seen, capturing the soul of each area and…
Read MoreSome exciting adventures set in the 1930s
The Gamekeeper’s Son is a real boys’ own adventure book from the heart of 1930s Morayshire. This delightful set of mini stories recounts the upbringing of author Ron Stewart, the son of a gamekeeper, and his adventures with his father, friends and local wildlife. With short, episodic chapters, we get an often comic account of…
Read MoreThe Scottish connections of beloved writer
Beatrix Potter and Scotland is a written summary of talks given by the Beatrix Potter Society at their international study conference in June 2014. This book sets out to discuss the connection with one of Britain’s best-loved authors and Scotland. Rowena Godfrey sets the scene for the Potters’ Scottish holidays with ‘Visitors to Perthshire’; Emma…
Read MoreA fantastic book of living in the countryside
Never judge a book by its cover – but on this occasion we’re going to break the rules. This gorgeous front snap tells you everything you need to know about Johnny Scott’s remarkable publication. As reflected in his contented expression, Scott’s passion for rural life is deep-rooted. Explaining that ‘the seeds of [his] fascination with…
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