Books
A taste of Scotland’s islands captured in print
One thing that matches the richness of Scotland’s produce is its spectacular landscapes. When these two things are combined with a gentle peppering of history, it makes for perfectly balanced reading. This book sees food writer and journalist Sue Lawrence travel around some of our country’s many islands, speaking to producers and cooks, gleaning delicious…
Read MoreA journey into reality, folklore and legend
Caught between a physical journey in reality and a world of folklore and legend, this book takes the reader on a voyage that goes much deeper than most travel books. Years after the untimely death of his beloved aunt, Marsden is determined to complete a solo sail from his home in Cornwall, around the west…
Read MoreA fascinating guide to Scotland’s railways
Scotland contains some of the most beautiful railways in the world – indeed the West Highland Line is consistently voted as such. Michael Cobb’s atlas seeks to explore the relationships between railways and their landscapes, the villages and towns they dissect and the quiet countryside they disrupt. Cobb was clearly incredibly passionate about maps and…
Read MoreBirds of a feather inspired a modern book
The artwork of an overlooked 19th century ornithologist inspired, and now graces, a modern book on raptors. It is said that you should never judge a book by its cover. However, it was indeed the half a dozen beautiful early Victorian illustrations of birds of prey perching on the lettering of the book’s title that…
Read MoreA beautiful guide to the British landscape
From the still waters of the Lake District to the tumultuous winds in West Highland glens, Uncommon Ground: A Word-Lover’s Guide to the British Landscape is a visual glossary that aids those helplessly striving to describe the world around them. This glossary is a monumental celebration of the unique variation of landscape on this peculiar…
Read MoreA new account of the Scots at Waterloo
Iain Gale, an art critic, military historian, journalist and author, draws on modern-day accounts of the Battle of Waterloo and brings to life the individual stories of those who fought. The reader is thrown head first into the chaos of the battle, truly evoking the great sense of the terror endured by the brave cavalry. Read…
Read MoreAuthor is keeping the magic alive this Christmas
Self-published Scottish author Alexander McCabe has written a children’s story that should help parents all over the UK extend the magic of Christmas by providing another reason to keep believing in Santa. With eight being the average age children stop believing in Santa, The Christmas Present introduces children to the concept of their very own…
Read MoreA guide to Scotland – through alternative eyes
It’s been a long time since a book has made me genuinely laugh out loud but thanks to Maciejewski, my funny bone was well and truly tickled. By compiling an alphabetical list of the best of the worst observations as told by visitors to Scotland from the 17th to 19th century, this is a read…
Read MoreA mystery disappearance in Aberdeenshire
When her mother mysteriously and suddenly disappears, Ellie Rook returns from travelling the world to her family home in rural Aberdeenshire. Unwilling to accept what the rest of her family quickly believe, Ellie desperately searches for answers. Clouded by thoughts of an ancient legend, Ellie must determine fact from fiction while battling her grief. A…
Read MoreThe latest mystery for the ladies’ detective agency
The 20th book published in the much-loved series The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency is a story of mystery, community and of course, friendship. Alexander McCall Smith injects the usual levels of intelligent charm and wit along with beautifully detailed descriptions of the Botswanian landscape. As ever the question of the female identity is explored as…
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