Laughs to be had with the Big Scottish Book Club

The third episode of the Big Scottish Book Club comes from The Tower Digital Arts Centre in Helensburgh. Host Damian Barr will be talking funny with some of the biggest names in fiction. The episode delivers laughs in abundance but also its own fair share of poignancy with subjects ranging from mental health to childlessness.…

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The perfect guide to Scotland’s sacred springs

Holy Wells: Scotland is definitely one for the coffee table. This is Phil Cope’s beautifully illustrated exploration of the sacred springs, wells and spas of Scotland. Haunting photography coupled with well-researched information and opinions allow this book to be glanced and flicked through, or read cover-to-cover, with equal enjoyment. Holy Wells: Scotland, by Phil Cope,…

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Stunning photos in new book – Skye, Cloud Island

A celebration of Skye is set to be published, showcasing stunning photographs taken on the isle. Skirinish Publishing, a small independent publishing company, have published Skye, Cloud Island with photography and text by Morten Hansen. Skye, Cloud Island is a well produced and designed coffee-table book, showcasing the exceptional imagery of Morten. Morten Schmidt Hansen…

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This novel treads the fine line between crime and comedy

Fast paced and compelling, Feliks Berisovic arrives from his East European homeland to bring back the great-granddaughter of the last Archduke to Scotland. With the best of intentions he rescues the wrong woman, antagonises a psychopath and shoots an undercover agent, incurring the wrath of everyone, including security forces. And there’s always a danger the…

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Sights set on the Old Man of Hoy – despite being blind

From the moment he watched the televised ascent of the Old Man of Hoy, Red Széll vowed that he too would stand atop Europe’s tallest sea stack. Those dreams went dark at 19 when he learned he was going blind, but 20 years later in 2013, with an ever growing following looking on, inspirational Széll…

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Exploring the cultural history of the Highlands

Disturbed by tales of wild beasts, harsh geography and the bloody conflicts of warring clans, few travellers ventured to the Scottish Highlands until after the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie at the Battle of Culloden. The influence of the clans was curbed and the Highlands became celebrated by poets, writers and artists for their beauty…

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A party problem will make the wee ones smile

Mac and Bob and the Party Problem is a colourful and imaginative children’s book which is a fun read for little ones who appreciate the illustrations and medium-sized ones who love the tale. Even Mummy can relate to the plot, which sees Mac invited to a party only to realise that he has nothing to…

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Sharing the struggles of living with a disability

A new book published by a Scottish charity containing stories that have captured the hearts of people up and down the country, has been launched in braille and as an audio book. Humans of Scotland features Scotland rugby international Doddie Weir speaking candidly on his experience with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), the book shares personal…

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Finding Scotland’s best dishes from a campervan

Pitch Up Eat Local lets local food tell the story of the UK’s most beautiful areas. Food and travel writer Ali Ray has travelled the country meeting the UK’s most passionate producers. Accompanied by beloved campervan ‘Custard’, she learns first-hand how to cook regional dishes, including cullen skink, cranachan and Highland beef kebabs in Scotland,…

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Finding the greater truth in a fascinating book

Jellyfish is a sparkling and powerful collection of writing. Janice Galloway takes on David Lodge’s assertion – ‘Literature is mostly about having sex and not much about having children; life’s the other way round’ – and scent-marks her multi-layered fiction with what she believes to be the greater truth. Razor sharp tales of two of…

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