Books
A real treasure trove of holy hideaways
Dixe Wills’ latest quirky travel guide chronicles 60 of Britain’s smallest churches. One chapel halfway down a remote Pembrokeshire cliff is so tiny that the congregation has to sit outside for the annual service. Scottish gems include the frescoed apse in Hoselaw Chapel, Croick Church in Ardgay with its moving messages scratched on the windows…
Read MoreColouring book aims to get drivers behind the wheel
A Scot who failed to pass his driving theory text has used his own experience to help others get through it. Award-winning Edinburgh-born entrepreneur Matthew Carter has created the world’s first educational colouring book for the theory test, based on research indicating that colouring has a positive effect on memory. Designed to engage learners with…
Read MoreDebut novel captures contrast in lifestyles
Debutant novellist Angus MacDonald doesn’t waste any time jumping into the story of young Donald Peter (‘DP’) Gillies, a Lovat Scout soldier who lies in a makeshift hospital in Gallipoli in 1916. While suffering a gunshot wound to his shoulder and blinded fi ghting on the front line against the Turks in the disastrous Dardanelles…
Read MoreThe struggles of young woman in 1990s Glasgow
Walking the Lights is a finely crafted and captivating story of a young actress’ self-discovery and her struggles with the damaging temptations of young adulthood. After becoming distanced from her mother and idle boyfriend, Maddie is hanging onto a bohemian life consumed by excessive drink and drugs despite their paltry funds. This is an insightful…
Read MoreTaking Scotland’s books beyond our borders
Scottish publishers marked the beginning of the London Book Fair with the first ever Scotland in London. The showcase was chaired by TV presenter Sally Magnusson and featuring interviews with Scottish authors Chris Brookmyre, Helen McClory, Sara Sheridan and Andrew O’Hagan. The event at Scotland House was attended by key figures from the book trade…
Read MoreThe story of Gigha – from pre-historic until today
Just off the Kintyre peninsula lies the small island of Gigha, the most southerly Hebridean isle. Due to a mild climate, fertile land and an advantageous geographical location, Gigha harbours an interesting history. This book takes the reader on a journey of the inhabitants of the island, starting from the settlers of pre-historic times to…
Read MoreBroadcaster James was in the thick of it
When James Naughtie was finishing his English degree at Aberdeen University, his careers advisor saw a great future ahead – in hospital administration. Naughtie – Jim in everyday life, James for BBC purposes only – was underwhelmed. ‘You clearly know nothing about me,’ he recalls telling the hapless academic. ‘I couldn’t administer the Sunday School…
Read MoreA celebration of the Isle of Iona in words
For centuries, the island of Iona has influenced writers, poets and songsmiths, from the early settlers of Iona Abbey to Robert Louis Stevenson. With a huge collection of extracts by authors such as Meg Bateman, Jennie Erdal, Meaghan Delahunt, Ruth Thomas and many more dedicated to the famous island, The Book of Iona is an…
Read MoreDelving into Scotland’s proud history of textiles
Warm Covers sees Janet Rae delve into the story of Scotland’s once thriving textile industry, when the production of cotton and wool were at the forefront. Exploring the multiple themes such as the effect of dyes and the progression of needlework education, Warm Covers also comments on various individuals who significantly contributed to the advancement…
Read MoreA bedtime favourite translated into Scots
Scots linguist Susan Rennie has charmingly translated the much loved children’s classic into Scots. With the delightful original artwork, the story follows the family’s adventure to find the bear as they battle through ‘Claggie mud’, ‘muckle forests’ and ‘Skirlin snawstorms’. An enjoyable re-imagining of the classic bed time story, as much fun for adults as…
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