Books
The Course of History: Ten Meals that Changed the World
This uniquely engaging read is perfect for those who combine a love for history with a passion for food. In The Course Of History: Ten Meals that Changed the World the unlikely duo of politician and award-winning author Struan Stevenson and Leith chef Tony Singh MBE join forces to give us an insight into meals…
Read MoreBook review – Woodland Gardening
Kenneth Cox’s latest tome Woodland Gardening is a significant Scottish horticultural publication which brings the art of woodland gardening to life. As well as being a third generation nurseryman, Cox is the managing director of Glendoick garden centre in Perth, which specialises in rhododendrons, azaleas and ericaceous plants. A vastly experienced plant-hunter and hybridiser, Cox is…
Read MoreBook review – Castles and Galleys by Paul Martin
Castles and Galleys has a subtitle of A Reassessment of the Historic Galley-Castles of the Norse-Gaelic Seaways. Whether you’re a history expert or just want to learn about Scotland’s historic castles and galleys, this comprehensive collection of papers provides in-depth analysis on how they functioned and interacted throughout the centuries. After holding a conference alongside…
Read MoreAuthor’s debut work is a love letter to Scotland
An appreciation of Scotland has led a first-time writer to send a love letter to the country in his first novel. The Boy and the Eagle is the moving debut novel by Charles Williams, a former soldier and IT worker who now lives in London. It tells how a teenage boy copes – and fails…
Read MoreBook review – When The Clyde Ran Red
What’s the story? In the early 20th century, much of Scotland’s industrial heart was based in the west of Scotland, and in particular, in and around the River Clyde. Maggie Craig has assembled a fascinating collection of historical events, from events as diverse as the strike at the Singer Sewing Machine factory in 1911, Bloody…
Read MoreChasing the Dram: Finding the Spirit of Whisky
What’s the story? Whisky, now a global phenomenon and the mark of sophisticated drinkers world-wide, has been Scotland’s national drink for over five-hundred years. However despite this, whisky is still hardly ever used in cooking. Well… Rachel McCormack aims to change that with this book. Interspersing an interesting mix of anecdotes, history and information on…
Read MoreBook review – The Cod Hunters by John Goodlad
For the best part of a century, cod was the mainstay of the Shetland fishing industry, and intrepid skippers criss-crossed the north Atlantic in search of the richest grounds. Trips of three months’ duration were not uncommon, and the lives of fishermen, many as young as 14, were fraught with incredible danger and discomfort. In…
Read MoreHundreds give support to Scottish wildlife book
Hundreds of people are backing the creation of a landmark book showcasing the benefits of a wilder Scotland. Trees for Life’s crowdfunding appeal to raise at least £20,000 has passed the 80 per cent mark in its first two weeks, with the conservation charity ‘thrilled’ by a wave of positive responses to the initiative. The…
Read MoreBook review – James I: Scotland’s King of England
What’s the story? In James I: Scotland’s King of England, John Matusiak takes the reader on a journey through the turbulent life of one of the nation’s most unique and intriguing rulers. The book details most every detail of James’ life, from the questions surrounding the legitimacy of his birth to detailing his personality and…
Read MoreDebut novel is set in the Scottish Highlands
A moving debut novel about a boy coping with the loss of his mother in the Highlands is being released next week. The Boy and the Eagle is the moving debut novel by Charles Williams. It tells how a teenage boy copes – and fails to cope – with the death of his mother from…
Read More