On the case after a man is wrongly executed for a murder

A Rattle of Bones is a murder mystery rooted in history. In 1752 James of the Glen was executed for the murder of government man Colin Campbell. So, when publicity comes to light claiming he was innocent and that his namesake James Stewart – who has been incarcerated for the last ten years for murder…

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REVIEW: Regatta Men’s Birchdale Waterproof Jacket

What is it? Regatta Men’s Birchdale Waterproof Jacket (RRP £100) I want it because: With its waterproof and breathable Isotex 10000 100% polyester stretch fabric this shell jacket is light and breathable yet completely waterproof so it’s perfect for summer showers. Useful for: It’s a good summer all-rounder so I keep this jacket in my…

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‘Spectacle of Light’ opens at Dalkeith

DALKEITH Country Park’s second “Spectacle of Light” opened on Saturday. The display runs until 4 January. Midlothian residents are taken on a light and sound journey up through Fort Douglas, Sky Maze, Mini Maze, Rainbow’s End, and into the new Fantasy Forest. The historic Orangerie is also lit for the occasion. Read more stories on…

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Set your sights on the new Helia riflescope

Fieldsports enthusiasts should take aim at a new riflescope from Swarovski Optik. The Helia 3.5-18x50i is a new addition to the Helia range of riflescopes for stalking and hunting from a hide, which impress on account of their uncompromising focus on the essentials: functionality, reliability, handling and aesthetics. The 18x magnification power of the Helia…

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Archie was a shining light in 66 years of service

During her 30 years of marriage to Archie, Anne MacEachern gathered notes of her late husband’s recollections from his 66 years of service with the Northern Lighthouse Board to write this wonderful book. The chronological story takes readers through the lighthouse keeper’s personal journey and provides an important record of a career, once essential to…

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Forget Scandi Noir fiction – try this Scandi Blanc

Alexander McCall Smith, who is well-known for his prodigious writing speeds, having now penned over 100 novels, has established a new genre, Scandi Blanc. This contrasts with the oppressively heavy and relentlessly dark Scandi Noir. McCall Smith’s latest page-turner makes for an easy and light-hearted read, even if it is still full of crime. We…

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Life of the historic Hammer of the Scots

David Santiuste’s The Hammer of the Scots sheds a light on controversial historical figure Edward I, known as Scottorum Malleus – the Hammer of the Scots. One of medieval England’s most formidable kings, this in-depth account covers Edward’s military career, his battles and his opponents, such as Robert the Bruce and William Wallace, and also…

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Vauxhall is Scotland’s biggest selling 19-plate car

Vauxhall was the largest-selling manufacturer in Scotland in the crucial 19-plate month of March. That’s according to figures released by the Scottish Motor Trade Association. Vauxhall sold 4,484 cars in Scotland last month, accounting for 12.5 per cent of the market. Corsa was Scotland’s best-selling car with sales of 1,690. Stephen Norman, Vauxhall’s group managing…

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Shining a light on Glasgow’s colourful past

Scotland’s second city deserves a book devoted to its colourful past and Alan Taylor demonstrates that there is much more to the ‘no mean city’ than meets the eye in Glasgow – The Autobiography. He strides across centuries and delves into numerous sources for these incisive anecdotes from natives such as Liz Lochead and Tartan…

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Grow your own pain relieving chillies at home

There’s nothing quite like growing your own plants – especially if they can help with your health. We gave you five plants which can help you beat Blue Monday yesterday, and one of those suggested by our friends at Dobbies Garden Centres  was chilli peppers. Chillies are rich in antioxidants and contain even more vitamin C…

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