Online Features
Book review – Dundee: A Short History
Think of Dundee and jute, comics and the RRS Discovery probably come to mind. But there’s far more to it than that, writer Norman Watson looks at the people and events that have shaped the city. As well as the Tay Bridge disaster, there are many more fascinating tales to be told, including the sisters…
Read MoreBook review – Who Built Scotland
You can tell a lot about a country by the quality of its buildings and the stories behind them. Historic Environment Scotland commissioned five popular writers to bring together Who Built Scotland, telling the story of the nation in an off-kilter way. Between them, the authors have picked 25 buildings from across the nation, but…
Read MoreBook review – Rosslyn Chapel
To many people, Rosslyn Chapel has become synonymous with Dan Brown’s novels, particularly The Da Vinci Code. However, this book explores a different side of the 15th-century building as one of Scotland’s most extraordinary architectural masterpieces. Founded by Sir William St Clair, third Prince of Orkney, and inspired by the great Gothic cathedrals he had…
Read MoreBook review – The Drowned and the Saved: When War Came to the Hebrides
A truly harrowing account, Les Wilson’s book sheds light on the untold Hebridean war experience. The Drowned and the Saved pays homage to the victims and survivors of two tragic incidents: the sinking of American troop ship Tuscania by a German U-Boat, and the collision of another troop ship with the merchant cruiser Otranto. Considering…
Read MoreBook review – All The Galaxies
Philip Miller’s novel takes place in a step into tomorrow, with militarised police and a failed second Scottish Independence referendum. It features a boy wakened in the afterlife by his spirit guide, with interesting religious themes running alongside the narrative, with the Devil growing in power in the Glasgow, whilst the city’s fictional newspaper is…
Read MoreBook review: The Rough Guide to the North Coast 500
One of Scotland’s gems is the North Coast 500, weaving its way around the Highlands, passing by castles, lochs and coves. The ideal guide for those looking for things to see and places to stay, it is well presented with all the facts you could possibly need. This is the ultimate guide book packed with all…
Read MoreBook review: The Clyde – Mapping The River
‘The River Clyde, the wonderful Clyde/ The name of it thrills me and fills me with pride,’ – so goes the old song. John Moore’s history of what is arguably Scotland’s most important river is a fascinating insight into the history of the waterway, from the bonnie banks to the shipyards. Illustrated with beautifully reproduced…
Read MoreBook review: Great Salmon Rods of the Dee and Spey
There’s no doubt that Iain Ogden has meticulously researched his subject matter. In over 40 years of regularly casting a line over the length and breadth of both the Dee and the Spey, the author has befriended countless fishers, ghillies, factors, and lairds, who were collectively privy to a wealth of salmon angling knowledge and…
Read MoreBook review: Scottish Lighthouse Pioneers
Many of Scotland’s coastal lighthouses were created in the 19th century by the Stevenson family, including the famous author Robert Louis Stevenson, and this book celebrates their work in Orkney and Shetland. The noted engineers worked hard to create lighthouses that were adapted to the needs of their individual climates. Of particular note is the determination to…
Read More5 weird ways to spend Valentine’s Day
With Valentine’s Day upon us, we have rounded up some of Scotland’s weirdest and most wonderful romantic treats Axe Throwing Biscuit Factory, Leith, Edinburgh Axe throwing will be taking place in Leith from 14 – 18 February, promising an evening full of excitement and competitiveness between couples. The event isn’t just for loved up pairs…
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