Posts Tagged ‘Birlinn’
When the Vikings came to Strathclyde
Strathclyde and the Anglo-Saxons in the Viking Age is critical exploration of early medieval Strathclyde. It examines the neighbouring peoples that challenged its authority, taking into account the multitude of corrupted sources that distort our understanding of this period. From the Damnonii of the Clyde, to the emergence of Alba, which combined Pictish and Scottish…
Read MoreThe bravery and sacrifice of brave Scot Jane Haining
The true story of Scottish heroine Jane Haining is a truly harrowing one. As matron of a Hungarian residential school that housed Jewish orphans, Jane protected them with all her might, refusing to flee the country in 1944 – a decision that ultimately led to her death. Her story of self-sacrifice is portrayed by Miller…
Read MoreA fascinating history of Scotland’s geology
Set In Stone, by Alan McKirdy, is a concise and lavishly illustrated introduction to the geology and landscapes of Scotland. It explains in clear language why the country looks as it does today. Ideal for the non-specialist, this account explores Scotland’s ecological journey from a time of sea and flood, and credits Scots both past…
Read MoreA guide to one of the most important gardens
Regarded as one of the most important gardens in Britain, Little Sparta in the Pentland Hills has become renowned the world over. Ian Hamilton Finlay’s anarchic collection contains 300 artworks by himself and others, designed to evolve over time. This beautifully illustrated guide to the garden is the perfect companion for anyone visiting or interested…
Read MoreThe story of Britain’s most beautiful shortcut
The Crinal Canal runs across the Kintyre peninsula – and by 1854, 33,000 passengers had been transported along it. Marian Pallister explores the canal from its origins, discussing the purpose and method of its construction, the ways in which it has been used and the effect it has had on its surroundings. The outcome is…
Read MoreAccess to land questions answered in this book
The ScotWays Guide to the Law of Access to Land in Scotland is an informative book. It gives clear and concise explanations of Scottish land law and covers areas such as access to land, how to use it responsibly and what visitors are permitted to do on the land. The first of its kind published…
Read MoreA murder mystery that will keep you guessing
Private detective Leo Moran returns with this new murder mystery. This will keep you guessing because the author manages to create characters that are refreshingly different while effortlessly weaving Scottish history into this book, making for an intriguing narrative. The protagonist Leo, who enjoys the fi ner things in life, is an especially original character.…
Read MoreCelebrating the best of the Scottish Highlands
North Coast Journey: the Magic of Scotland’s Northern Highlands is beautiful compendium of all that the Northern Highlands of Scotland has much to offer. Brigid Benson has created a comprehensive, yet beautifully presented guide to taking a North Coast journey. Highlighting curiosities and beauty spots and emphasising the importance of respecting the locals, she provides a…
Read MoreTide and time waits for no one in this thriller
The Relentless Tide, the newest instalment of the DCI Daley thrillers series is well-written and engaging from beginning to end. While searching for Viking remains, archaeologist Professor Francombe stumbles across the missing remains from the ‘Midweek Murderer’ case that occurred in the 1990s, a case from DCI Daley’s past that has been haunting him for…
Read MoreArdkinglas: The Biography of a Highland Estate
In her third book, Ardkinglas: The Biography of a Highland Estate, Christina Noble returns home to explore her roots. The story begins in 1905, when the estate she grew up on was built, and travels to the present. Her gained perspective grants her narration a bittersweet wisdom, but her love of the estate infects the…
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