Books
The Solway and its fascinating history
Ann Lingard takes the opportunity to offer an in-depth examination of the Solway Firth’s history, geology and the huge range of life that exists within and alongside its ever-changing margins. From mudshrimps, basking sharks and pinkfooted geese to quarriers, trawlermen, peat-cutters and haaf netters, there are many stories to tell. Lingard writes vividly about this…
Read MoreThese Tiny Tales are packed full of character and charm
This book of Tiny Tales is easy to read, charismatic and charming. It convincingly demonstrates that length is by no means essential for a captivating read. The abundance of tales are collated into sections; from ‘kindness’ to ‘meeting in lifts’, and this is topped off with an ‘Amuse-Bouche’ which humorously compliments each collection. The same…
Read MoreLin Anderson’s epic crime series returns in style
The Glasgow-based epic crime series, now fifteen instalments long, sees the return of Dr Rhona MacLeod and DS Michael McNab. Forensic scientist MacLeod, is called upon when eleven-year-old Mary McIntyre’s body is discovered after vanishing 45 years previously. Karen Marshall, Mary’s best friend, is still troubled by memories surrounding her disappearance and struggles to make…
Read MoreA Tomb with a View offers a fascinating insight
While the more superstitious among us avoid graveyards or simply hold our breath while passing them, Peter Ross finds them curiously comforting. He whiled away the hours in the Old Town cemetery in Stirling as a boy. The Glasgow-based writer, one of Scotland’s finest essayists, admits that deciphering old gravestones was one of the ways…
Read MoreA study of nature writing and the Scottish ecology
Kathleen Jamie introduces Antlers of Water, a collection of modern Scottish nature writing with a huge focus on our pressing ecological crisis. This is apparent in most of the 23 commissioned writings by various Scottish authors, the diversity between each of their chapters refl ective of Scotland’s unique environment. There’s an intriguing mix of prose,…
Read MoreA helpful guide to training cocker spaniels
There has been a recent upsurge in the popularity of working cockers, but this hyperactive breed is not always the easiest to train. Author Janet Menzies has produced a really well written and helpful book aimed specifically at new owners, which takes the reader all the way through from the puppy stage to working the…
Read MoreA crime novel with a welcome bit of wit and humour
I found Jeremiah’s Bell, by Denzil Meyrick, quite absorbing. It is simple to pick up and easy to follow, despite not having read the previous books in the series (this is the eighth). This book is set apart from the usual genre fare due to Meyrick’s humorous dialogue – he has an ability to inject…
Read MoreA fascinating guide to the flora of Scotland
Scottish Plant Lore: An Illustrated Flora is a lovely coffee table book, filled with an array of beautiful drawings and information that you will return to time and again. The book is not exhaustive, but is a fine place to start for wannabe horticulturists inspired to create their own green haven. Kenicer primarily details those…
Read MoreAye Write book festival moves online in May
The Aye Write book festival will this year deliver a diverse, digital programme of events over two weekends in May. Running from May 14-16 and May 21-23 May, Aye Write is Glasgow’s Book Festival and is produced by Glasgow Life, the charity which delivers culture and sport in the city. The live book festival, usually…
Read MoreA pocket guide to the Declaration of Arbroath
This book does exactly what it says on the tin. It details the hugely significant piece of history that is the Declaration of Arbroath – a plea to the Pope to recognise Scotland’s independence in 1320. For those without a vested interest in the topic, this will be heavy going. It is pocket book-sized, but…
Read More