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…

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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…

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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…

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A Scottish family bus business that grew and fell

The McKindless Group by David Devoy is the story of a family business which got out of its depth. The McKindless bus company started off as a small operation of a few buses, a lorry and two coaches in 1987. After providing mostly school contracts and private hires, the company began to venture into local…

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The rise and sad fall of the Strathtay Bus Group

Strathtay Scottish Buses by David Devoy is an interesting tale of expansion, contraction, and ultimately the oblivion of the group. Strathtay Scottish was a product of the state-owned Scottish Bus Group’s attempts to prepare for deregulation and possible privatisation in the mid-1980s. Eventually, after being taken over by several different entities which culminated in the…

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New way to enter ballots to obtain rare Macallans

The Macallan has created an easier way for its customers to enter ballots to buy its limited edition whiskies. At present, customers can sign up to receive a newsletter from the firm. A spokesman said: ‘We are excited to introduce our brand new The Macallan Account, giving you access to enter our whisky ballots. You…

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A train of thought in turning back the clock

Industrial Locomotives & Railways of Scotland is the ninth volume of the ten-part series of regional books examining the industrial railways of England, Scotland and Wales. Gordon Edgar uses previously unpublished photographs accompanied by detailed captions to reflect on the changing face of the Scottish railway industry over the last six decades. The diversity of…

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Remembering the lost regiments of Britain

From the very beginning, regiments formed the backbone of the British Army. It is a single institution that reflects the way the people of Britain view themselves and their past. Here, Trevor Royle explores the histories of the many regiments that have disappeared; to celebrate their existence, as well as the men and officers who…

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A celebration of four breathtaking Scots islands

Beyond the British shores and straight out to sea lie the most exquisite islands, just waiting to be explored. Lundy, Rockall, Dogger and Fair Isle are little worlds which are unique in their rugged, breathtaking geography, their legends and folklore. Here, words and art are brought together to create a beautiful, illustrated celebration of the…

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Twisting real life family history into a novel

Professor Andrew Schultz has researched his family heritage and brought it to life in Saints and Heroes. The novel follows the story of Anselm through the rugged Isle of Iona. When studying to be a priest, Anselm develops a friendship with Prince Malcolm Canmore, and the pair journey to establish Catholicism as the official religion…

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