Myths and legends from Scotland put in focus

One of my favourite features of mythology and folk tales is the ability to pinpoint the land that they originate from by examining the geography, history and local customs to be found in each piece. Angus, an underrated region of Scotland in my very humble opinion, is put on display through tales of wolves and…

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A celebration of field sports with fishing and shooting

Scotland has long had a love affair with sport. More famous as the birthplace of golf and for the popularity of sports like football and rugby, this passionate collection of essays brings to life our nation’s relationship with different kinds of sport – fishing and shooting. Lord James Percy grew up in the untamed landscapes…

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A true celebration of Scottish mountaineering

Subtitled ‘A Celebration of Scottish Mountaineering’, The Great Mountain Crags of Scotland is a huge guide to the greatest crags in Scotland revolves around some stunning photography. This, along with the first-hand experiences of some of Scotland’s greatest mountaineers and detailed descriptions of the places and possible routes to take, make this excellent book a…

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An insight into changing Scotland in the 1700s

Scotland’s greatest historical controversialist brings us an engaging and very readable examination of the exemplary yet volatile political, economic and cultural landscape of 18th century Scotland. Among the many subjects the ever-provocative Michael Fry examines is the gradual, and often painful, evolution of a feudal land that shook up every facet of society, detailing how…

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A wonderful look at teaching on a Scottish island

Life as a teacher is trying enough without having to contend with scare resources, limited electricity, and the worry of pupils walking a dangerous path to reach their classes each day. Kate Riley, a former headteacher on Canna, delves deep into the history of the island’s 1878 schoolhouse, bringing to life those who preceded her.…

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Leaving it all behind in a bid to destress

In February 2019, award-winning writer Alex Roddie left his online life behind and headed for the highlands. The constant bleeping of blue screens vying for his attention Alex Roddie – an outdoor writer, photographer and editor who lives in Lincolnshire – at breaking point. Seeking headspace from his rising anxiety levels, he took on a…

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The Heretic is a gripping read from start to end

The prequel to The Heretic, Liam McIlvanney’s The Quaker, earned him ‘The Scottish Crime Book of the Year’ prize. I’ve little doubt this will do just as well. It has all the ingredients for a classic piece of crime fiction: a dark, gritty plot, authentic characters and an unpredictable ending. Set in Scotland’s Dear Green…

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The Clanlands Almanac is a celebration of Scotland

Outlander fans can breathe a sigh of relief. That’s right, actors Heughan and McTavish have gifted their devoted fan base another cornucopia of all things Alba, including a compendium of historical trivia and a cask full of whisky-soaked japes. An ode to their homeland, her history and her people, Heughan dubbed this ‘an odyssey through…

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A novel with a difference from Denzil Meyrick

If you’ve previously enjoyed Denzil Meyrick’s trademark Tartan Noir, expect a rather gentler read here. Following on from A Large Measure of Snow, we return to the fictional fishing town of Kinloch on Kintyre. As a former distillery manager, Meyrick is well acquainted with the water of life, and so it is that two of…

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The life story of the Big Yin – in his own words

I didn’t think it possible to love this comedy stalwart any more than I already did, but then this book landed on my desk. Told through a dictaphone and transcribed by his family, this is the first time Sir Billy Connolly has shared his life story in his own words. He of course treats us…

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