Books
A moving journey of travels around the world
60 Degrees North – Around the World in Search of Home is written from the personal memoirs of Malachy Tallack’s travels. Tallack’s story is brave and honest, while also deeply moving. Although his physical journey is fascinating, it is through his emotional journey that he manages to overcome his feelings of isolation and grief, and grow to love…
Read MoreA mystery for a very young lady detective
Precious and the Zebra Necklace is the fourth of McCall Smith’s series of African adventures. It features Precious Ramotswe; the girl who grew up to be one of the most famous detectives in the world, as the first female private investigator in Botswana. With delightful illustrations from Iain McIntosh, this book will be thoroughly enjoyed by younger…
Read MoreThe Battle of Waterloo – from Scottish eyes
In his exciting book, historian Owen Dudley Edwards explores the significance of Waterloo and its ramifications for Scotland. With a fresh approach to the battle, Edwards showcases contemporary Scottish opinion, drawing on a satisfactory societal cross section – from painters to doctors. Scotland’s Waterloo, by Owen Dudley Edwards, published by Luath Press Ltd, £9.99 [review…
Read MoreAn exciting tale set in medieval Europe
Neil Oliver, historian and charismatic presenter of BBC’s Coast, tells the exciting and fictional tale of a young Scot who sets off on a great journey across medieval Europe to fulfil a death-bed promise. Older children and teenagers will love the rich narrative and scintillating story-line inspired by real historical characters. Master of Shadows, by…
Read MoreEverything you wanted to know about whisky
If you’ve ever had a question about whisky, this book is sure to answer it. Written by three chaps who are leading experts in all things boozy, the book strips things back to the very beginning and attempts to uncover how the world’s obsession with the ‘water of life’ began. Including stunning images and recipes,…
Read MoreCelebrating the military units of Scotland
This extensive catalogue of Scottish military units raised throughout the world is sure to satisfy both military and tartan enthusiasts alike. The result of a labour of love, Alastair Campbell has put together an incredibly detailed resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the Scots’ global military might and impeccable style. Units include…
Read MoreVivid dramatic writing brings Sky Dance to life
You can almost feel the dramatic changes in temperature, so descriptive and atmospheric is John D Burns’ writing in Sky Dance. Set on a fictional Scottish island, this is a story based on very real issues affecting the wilderness in the Highlands of Scotland. As land owners clash with environmental protestors, the arguments are all…
Read MorePoems and pictures celebrate Edinburgh
Aspects of Edinburgh is a book of poems which is seamlessly punctuated with delicate drawings by John Knight. Through Conn’s words and Knight’s images, they manage to translate the feeling of Edinburgh onto paper. Having spent two decades living in Glasgow, Conn observes the folk of Edinburgh with fresh eyes and notices things in a…
Read MoreA gripping adventure in 19th century Scotland
The Crown Agent is an intriguing murder mystery set against the dramatic backdrop of eerie harbours, grand stately homes and a Scottish landscape which almost acts as a character in its own right. Dr Mungo Lyon, a surgeon in 1829 Edinburgh, is shunned professionally after the horrifying scandal of Burke & Hare is revealed. The…
Read MoreThe Samaritans will benefit from short story sales
A Scots author is donating the proceeds from his short story The Fright Before Christmas to the Samaritans. Jonathan Whitelaw, from Glasgow, has written a unique, one-off special festive tale starring Ol’ Nick himself. Out on the cold on the very first Christmas Eve, he’s given some Divine company as three travellers make their way…
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