Books
Take a trip through the streets of Lost Edinburgh
Lost Edinburgh by Liz Hanson is a beautifully illustrated and informative exploration of our capital’s lost landscape. Like many British cities, the metropolis of Edinburgh has experienced multiple metamorphoses over the years. Although a walk down today’s Royal Mile may give the wanderer a tantalising taste of what existed before, in reality, many historic buildings…
Read MoreA gardener’s guide to growing in Scotland
With its maritime climate, ample rainfall and rarity of really hot weather, Scotland is one of the best places in the world to garden. But choosing plants suited to the local conditions is critical. Kenneth Cox and Raoul Curtis-Machin evaluated the performance of thousands of plants in gardens all over Scotland, drawing on the knowledge…
Read MoreShortlists for Scotland’s national book awards
The Saltire Society announced the shortlists for the 2019 Saltire Literary Awards, as well as two brand new prizes, at an event in Edinburgh this evening. This year, for the first time, the Saltire Society will be awarding a prize for Scottish Book Cover and a special Award for Lifetime Achievement. The winners of all…
Read MoreRemembering the lost regiments of Britain
From the very beginning, regiments formed the backbone of the British Army. It is a single institution that reflects the way the people of Britain view themselves and their past. Here, Trevor Royle explores the histories of the many regiments that have disappeared; to celebrate their existence, as well as the men and officers who…
Read MoreAn indispensible guide to historical Orkney
Despite lying only 20 miles north of mainland Scotland, for much of its history Orkney has related more to Scandinavian culture. Its particular ecosystem means there is a wealth of settlements for archaeologists and historians to explore. Caroline Wickham-Jones, a renowned expert on the island, introduces its history and outlines major places of interest for…
Read MoreA celebration of four breathtaking Scots islands
Beyond the British shores and straight out to sea lie the most exquisite islands, just waiting to be explored. Lundy, Rockall, Dogger and Fair Isle are little worlds which are unique in their rugged, breathtaking geography, their legends and folklore. Here, words and art are brought together to create a beautiful, illustrated celebration of the…
Read MoreA biography of the Scottish First Minister
Nicola Sturgeon made history when she became the first female First Minister of Scotland in 2014. But what drives the SNP’s leading lady? How has her background, family and education shaped her political life? In the first biography of Scotland’s First Minister, David Torrance examines how this woman, once described as a ‘nippy sweetie’, rose to…
Read MoreTwisting real life family history into a novel
Professor Andrew Schultz has researched his family heritage and brought it to life in Saints and Heroes. The novel follows the story of Anselm through the rugged Isle of Iona. When studying to be a priest, Anselm develops a friendship with Prince Malcolm Canmore, and the pair journey to establish Catholicism as the official religion…
Read MoreFormer Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s Scotland
Written before the independence referendum, My Scotland, Our Britain is a highly personal account of Gordon Brown’s Scotland. Now, with a new afterword, the former Prime Minister reflects upon the referendum campaign and Scotland’s rejection of independence, while continuing to make the case for a constitutional settlement that further unites the country. My Scotland, Our…
Read MoreCriminal versus natural justice in crime thriller
Fastpaced and packed with twists and turns, Last Resort is the landmark 25th novel in Quintin Jardine’s Bob Skinner crime series. It shows Edinburgh’s toughest cop facing a very different kind of case. A quiet trip to Catalunya soon takes on a different flavour when Skinner is approached by an old friend with an unusual…
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