Reviews
The corrupt world of business and politics
As part of the Angus Blue series, this third edition details a thrilling investigation led by DI Blue who is drawn into the corrupt world of business and politics. As we have come to expect of Martin, he has excelled himself with vivid descriptions of Scotland – in this case, of Oban – adding authenticity…
Read MoreA celebration of a legendary Scots piper
I Piped, That She Might Dance follows the story of Angus MacKay of Raasay, a legendary piper and extraordinary exponent of Scottish music. In fact, he may have been one of the most significant Highland pipers in history, having published a collection of music that was used as the foundation for the Piobaireachd Society’s Collection.…
Read MoreWhen superstition was at its peak in gripping read
Hex is a small but mighty book. In just 100 pages, Jenni Fagan shows why she won the prestigious Scottish Author of the Year title in 2016, as well as being shortlisted for countless other literary prizes over the years. The bright blue exterior belies the dark story held within, reflecting on one of the…
Read MoreCelebrating the bravery of Scots who went to war
In 1914, as the world prepared for war, thousands of men enlisted in Scotland. But thousands more Scots, and those of Scottish descent, joined up across the world. As the optimism of 1914 gave way to the grim reality of years of conflict, the human cost of fighting the First World War became a foundation…
Read MoreThe history of the Scottish National War Memorial
This poignant account of the building of the Scottish National War Memorial is a must-read. Author Duncan Macmillan recounts the history of one of the most ambitious and successful public works of its time. First mooted in 1917, The Scottish National War Memorial was opened by Edward, Prince of Wales, on 14th July 1927. Paid…
Read MoreKeeping Scots fairytales alive for children
The Dragon Stoorworm is a traditional Scottish tale beautifully retold for younger readers. We learn that the Dragon Stoorworm was the very first, very worst dragon that ever lived. It was ginormous: almost as big as the whole of Scotland! The King of Scotland called for warriors to defeat the terrible dragon and save his…
Read MoreAn exciting novel set in the 14th century
Based on events in fourteenth century Scotland, The Raid Into Angus is a novel about Robert de Atholia and Duncan Stewart. Both were both Gaelic warriors whose clans have a grudge against Sir Drugo Lindsay, a Norman knight with extensive lands in Angus Province. But, Stewart also carries with him extra baggage as he is…
Read MoreThe most ship-shape cookbook of all time
I always pictured food served aboard our mariners and matelots to be a school canteen situation with wrinkled sausages and dry mash. I’m thankful to be proven wrong by this toothsome cookbook. Chefs at sea may not have access to all the ingredients, but those at home can support a good cause, benefit from the…
Read MoreThe real-life adventures of presenter Simon Reeve
In Journeys to Impossible Places, best-selling author and presenter Simon Reeve reveals the inside story of his most astonishing adventures and experiences, around the planet and close to home. It continues the story Simon started in his bestseller Step by Step, which traced the first decades of his life from depressed and unemployed teenager through to…
Read MoreFrom Sheffield with love to Scotland’s islands
Despite living in Sheffield, author Richard Clubley’s love for the Scottish islands brings him north several times a year. And in this book, he gives a passionate account of what makes these places so special and worth visiting. He meets locals and learns a few realities of island life. He almost perished on Ailsa Craig,…
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