Posts Tagged ‘books’
This whisky celebration is a labour of love
The Scotch Whisky Treasures is a beautifully produced history of whisky distillation. Written by Scotsman Tom Bruce-Gardyn, who considers it a blessing to have grown up with Scotch whisky, he guides you through our most celebrated whisky regions, from Speyside to the Highlands and Western Isles. Award-winning drinks journalist and author Bruce-Gardyne’s passion for the…
Read MoreFling yourself into the world of arts and crafts
Visitors can can discover the creative secrets of the artists and makers when taking part in Scotland’s leading open studios weekend. This year Spring Fling artists and makers are offering visitors the chance to learn about everything from painting and illustration to textile design, printmaking and pottery. There are even workshops and master classes on…
Read MoreTrio of books celebrate Scotland’s fish
Drew Jamieson’s trio of books (Where the Wild Salmon Run, A Scottish Angler’s Companions and Where The Wild Trout Swim), are dedicated to salmon fishing, trout angling and days out with angling legends. His careful observations of trout and salmon, his advice on managing reservoirs and the classic waters for anglers make these three books…
Read MoreA life on the ocean wave for the Scottish pirates
Pirates and Privateers in the 18th Century provides an interesting account of pirates – a surprising number of whom were Scots in real life. They have been portrayed on the big screen, in plays and books as heroes, romanticising the reality of these criminals of the sea. This book destroys the myth of buried treasure…
Read MoreThe former Queen of Scots with a famous brother
Margaret Tudor: The Life of Henry VIII’s Sister is brilliantly researched novel which transports the reader back to the 15th century. At times, this allows them to forget they’re reading non-fiction as they delve into the great and often hard life of a once Queen of Scots. Focused on Margaret Tudor, who is often overlooked…
Read MoreScottish 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…
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