The King and I – lavish, beautiful and entertaining

The King and I is without a doubt one of the most iconic musicals of all time. Say the title, and you will almost certainly picture Yul Brynner as the stubborn King Mongkut of Siam, and Deborah Kerr as Anna Loenowens, the governess and English tutor to his wives and many children. The Rodgers and…

Read More

Try this recipe for mocha parfait and toffee ice cream

Craig Millar’s @16 West End in St Monans has established itself a reputation for its quality seafood. Craig said: ‘I think the emphasis is more on the quality of the produce rather than the amount of produce now, letting the food speak for itself. ‘That’s what we aim for here. There are three of us…

Read More

Brash McKelvie – The lost treasures of the woodshed

Scottish Field’s online columnist Brash McKelvie found some old friends during a look in the woodshed. Here are the cast of characters that share the vicissitudes of life: Scragend – a Rhode Island Red of indeterminate age and foul nature. Shitting Cat – does exactly what it says on the tin. The Beloved – a…

Read More

School’s gold award is a first for Scotland

George Heriot’s School has become the first school in Scotland to achieve the SAPERE Gold Award for its teaching of philosophy. Following a recent assessment by SAPERE, this accolade follows hot on the heels of Heriot’s being named Scotland’s Highest Achieving School by the Sunday Times in November 2019. SAPERE is an internationally recognized charity…

Read More

Sharks and Top Trumps at the Sea Life Centre

Youngsters who are enthusiastic about all things aquatic and are totally Top Trumps mad are wanted by the Sea Life Centre at Loch Lomond. This spring, Sea Life is launching the Jawsome Sharks and Friends quest to help Professor Finn find the missing Top Trumps cards, so he can teach everybody about the incredible sharks…

Read More

A mystery for a very young lady detective

Precious and the Zebra Necklace is the fourth of McCall Smith’s series of African adventures. It features Precious Ramotswe; the girl who grew up to be one of the most famous detectives in the world, as the first female private investigator in Botswana. With delightful illustrations from Iain McIntosh, this book will be thoroughly enjoyed by younger…

Read More

An exciting tale set in medieval Europe

Neil Oliver, historian and charismatic presenter of BBC’s Coast, tells the exciting and fictional tale of a young Scot who sets off on a great journey across medieval Europe to fulfil a death-bed promise. Older children and teenagers will love the rich narrative and scintillating story-line inspired by real historical characters. Master of Shadows, by…

Read More

A handy guide to Scotland’s monsters and creatures

From unicorns and dragons to the Ghillie Dhu and Morag of Morhobhar, The Book of Beasties: A Scottish Bestiary of Old is a beautifully illustrated gift book certain to inspire innocently belief-filled questions from children. Posing as the long-lost sketchbook of The Great Clan Chief seems inauthentic but despite this the book maintains a certain…

Read More

When gambling debts lead to a kidnapping

Middle-class parents Victoria and Nicholas Foulkes are distraught when their children are kidnapped against Nicholas’ gambling debts. Penniless and desperate, the couple turn to crime as a way to raise the ransom. Can they save their children before time runs out? New talent Smith delivers a fast-paced page turner in this brilliant and believable debut…

Read More

A party problem will make the wee ones smile

Mac and Bob and the Party Problem is a colourful and imaginative children’s book which is a fun read for little ones who appreciate the illustrations and medium-sized ones who love the tale. Even Mummy can relate to the plot, which sees Mac invited to a party only to realise that he has nothing to…

Read More