Books
When the Romans came to Scotland
For anyone who has an interest in classical history and literature, or in the foundations of Scotland, this book is remarkably insightful. The author describes the Roman presence in ‘Caledonia’ (as Scotland was known then) in great depth. Drawing on literary evidence from the ancient historian Tacitus, Forder works with primary sources while casting a…
Read MoreWigtown Book Festival ready to pull on its wellies
This year’s Wigtown Book Festival is set to celebrate This Farming Life – the perfect theme for an event based in a region famed for its agriculture. Taking place from 27 September to 6 October the festival will offer more than 275 events for adults and children, including debates music, film, visual arts, theatre and…
Read MoreA handy guide to wine is bound to impress
Tasting Notes is a lovely little guide to buying wine from the general manager of the Horseshoe Inn near Peebles, a man with 30 years in the trade. If you are on the lookout for a fabulous bottle to impress your friends or just to enjoy on a Saturday evening then this is for you.…
Read MoreFree tickets on offer for Wigtown Book Festival
Wigtown Book Festival is offering thousands of free tickets for a wide range of talks and events to visitors below the age of 26. They can hear leading writers, journalists, political figures, campaigners, scientists, entertainers and others at events with standard ticket prices of £6 to £10. Some are part of the WigWAM young people’s…
Read MoreHamish Macbeth’s 30th case is another success
Hamish Macbeth has an iPad and an espresso machine . But don’t worry, he still doesn’t have a girlfriend. On his 30th outing, we find the laconic Highland detective happy as ever with his pet cat and dog in his beloved Lochdubh. But like Midsomer Murders, it is not long before the bodies begin to pile…
Read MoreAn interesting guide to Scotland and the Scots
This entry in Winn’s ‘I never knew that’ series sees the author take a tour around Scotland detailing the people that have made this great land what it is. Various luminaries are detailed alongside their achievements and legacies. He also focuses on various well-known families and we learn of notable members of these clans and…
Read MoreScottish Crime Book of the Year finalists revealed
The four finalists have been revealed for the McIlvanney Prize – the award given for the Scottish Crime Book of the Year. The winner will be presented with the honour at the opening reception of Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival at the Church of the Holy Rude, Stirling on Friday 20 September. The finalists…
Read MoreChanging face of life at the turn of 20th century
From Land to Rail is the memoirs of Andrew Ramage, who worked as a farm servant, dock worker, lorry driver and railwayman during the period 1854 -1917. This fascinating diary-style account of life in the Lothians and Berwickshire sheds light on the trials faced by those working and living in a rural setting. Ramage was…
Read MoreDead Girl Walking presents a new thrilling mystery
Dead Girl Walking sees the long-awaited return of Jack Parlabane. Christopher Brookmyre’s ex-journalist protagonist has fallen from grace and has an investigative job looking for the missing lead singer of a pop group. Brookmyre writes convincingly from both the perspective of Parlabane and Monica (the violinist in the group). The plot is thrilling, tense and…
Read MoreNew Lanark preparing for its first book festival
New Lanark World Heritage Site is hold its first Book Festival for children next weekend. As a historic hub of learning and leisure, on Saturday 14 September, visitors can meet and chat with award-winning children’s authors Chae Strathie and Keith Charters in interactive and engaging sessions. Chae Strathie is the author of many funny fabulous…
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