Posts Tagged ‘books’
Scottish fable given new life in the 21st century
Originally a Scottish fable written in 1440 by Richard Holland, The Book of the Howlat is re-imagining of one of the poetic gems of medieval Scotland. It tells the moral story of being true to one’s own nature. Similar to the Ugly Duckling tale, this children’s book introduces the Howlat, a body-conscious young owl who…
Read MoreThe tragic story of a World War I Scots soldier
Two siblings made a fascinating discovery when they opened a chest in their mother’s loft, which they found to be full of an Edinburgh soldier’s writings from World War One. The chest, which had lain unopened for 100 years, contained diaries, letters and poetry from the late Hamish Mann’s time in the trenches. Robert and…
Read MoreIs Jack Vettriano Scotland’s greatest living painter?
The titles of many of Jack Vettriano’s paintings come from songs, films and books: Beautiful Losers, Days of Wine and Roses, Lovers and Other Strangers. Today, however, the millionaire artist is channelling One Direction. He is wearing skinny jeans. Gone are the dead men’s suits and long hair that were once his signature look. This…
Read MoreSmoke, mirrors and dramatic images for Spring Fling
From special effects to startling perspectives on Scottish landscapes, boats and waterfronts – Spring Fling has a line-up of three highly distinctive photographers. In the case of Kim Ayres, this year’s open studios weekend will be all about smoke and mirrors. Kim will be giving hourly live demonstrations of how he uses lighting and a…
Read MoreAn insight into the lives of our working dogs
Given his 40 years of experience as a gamekeeper in Scotland, John Cowan is ideally placed to provide an informative account of the strengths and weaknesses of the different breeds of working dogs. He systematically describes their respective traits and passes on his extensive knowledge on how to train dogs for their working life on…
Read MorePicture perfect book that’s all write
Over thirty years on, photographer Angela Catlin has updated her first collection of striking black and white portraits of Scotland’s finest writers, each accompanied by examples of their work. Among the 49 snapped for posterity are writers Alasdair Gray, A L Kennedy, Ian Rankin, James Robertson and Ali Smith, poets Ron Butlin, Jen Hadfield and…
Read MoreColouring book aims to get drivers behind the wheel
A Scot who failed to pass his driving theory text has used his own experience to help others get through it. Award-winning Edinburgh-born entrepreneur Matthew Carter has created the world’s first educational colouring book for the theory test, based on research indicating that colouring has a positive effect on memory. Designed to engage learners with…
Read MoreThe struggles of young woman in 1990s Glasgow
Walking the Lights is a finely crafted and captivating story of a young actress’ self-discovery and her struggles with the damaging temptations of young adulthood. After becoming distanced from her mother and idle boyfriend, Maddie is hanging onto a bohemian life consumed by excessive drink and drugs despite their paltry funds. This is an insightful…
Read MoreA bedtime favourite translated into Scots
Scots linguist Susan Rennie has charmingly translated the much loved children’s classic into Scots. With the delightful original artwork, the story follows the family’s adventure to find the bear as they battle through ‘Claggie mud’, ‘muckle forests’ and ‘Skirlin snawstorms’. An enjoyable re-imagining of the classic bed time story, as much fun for adults as…
Read MoreA shooting murder mystery in the countryside
Death of a High Flyer reflects the concerns of the countryside and the people who live there. Hart-Davis creates an intricate web of characters, all of whom come under suspicion when the town’s pushy billionaire dies during a shoot. Known for ruffling more than a few feathers, it all becomes a question of whodunnit? Great…
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