How Mary, Queen of Scots, used fabrics in policitcs

Reading Embroidering Her Truth really was a pleasant surprise. In an age when textiles expressed power, Mary, Queen of Scots exploited their symbolism artfully. The most famous example was wearing red – the martyr’s colour – at her execution, but Hunter outlines the many subtle and not-so-subtle ways in which Mary used fabrics to her…

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A fascinating read that will keep you smiling

Despite what you might think, Your Inner Hedgehog is not a story about hedgehogs. Instead, it follows the story of the hilarious German professor Dr Moritz-Maria von Igelfeld as he navigates life at his workplace, the University of Regensburg. Written by the best-selling author of The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Alexander McCall Smith, this is…

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Taking the plunge to enjoy the power of wild swimming

Heart-warming and fascinating, Taking the Plunge: The Healing Power of Wild Swimming for Mind, Body & Soul is fantastic. Written by two women who formed a bond through their love of wild swimming, reading this book feels like having a conversation with old friends. Deacon and Allan detail the lives of wild swimmers, showing how…

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New Warden at Glenalmond

Perthshire boarding school Glenalmond College has a new headmaster. Dr Michael Alderson recently joined the school as its new Warden, taking over from Hugh Ouston, who stepped down this month after a 15-month interim role at the helm. Dr Alderson was most recently Deputy Head at Durham School, and began his teaching career in 2000 after…

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Gripping thriller will keep you glued into the night

Fans of the Inspector McLean crime novels will not be disappointed by this instalment, The Damage Done, with Oswald delivering another gritty page-turner that will keep you reading late into the night. When an Edinburgh Police vice squad raid goes embarrassingly awry, Inspector Tony McLean finds himself haunted by echoes of his first case. With…

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Thriller will keep you reading late at night

From the author of Dead Girl Walking comes another gripping crime drama. Diana Jager is a successful young surgeon and anti-sexism blogger, but when her personal details are revealed online as part of a revenge crime, her life crumbles. Shortly afterwards she meets Peter and the pair begin a fairytale romance. In just six months…

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A handy guide to traditional Scots folk songs

Before his death in 1990, Norman Buchan compiled 100 modern and traditional Scottish folk songs that have been passed on by generations of Scots. Now they have been reissued in a hand-sized book to share for another generation. Each tune is presented alongside guitar chords and a melodic line so you can play along to…

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The 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…

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Popular comedy club set to open in Scotland

One of the UK’s most esteemed comedy clubs is set to launch in Scotland. On Saturday, 6 October, Just the Tonic Comedy Club is coming to Edinburgh. Boasting the finest names on the circuit, a top-notch line-up is always guaranteed. From the cream of the comedy crop, look out for acts like Tom Stade, David Kay…

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Book review: Road Without Signposts by Barbara Morris

What’s the Story? Road without Signposts is a sequel to One Missed Step. The book tells the story of the continued drama within the Wilder family following the death of Kate’s mother. Only two months since Kate’s family was changed forever, she is now fighting an internal battle of what is right and what is…

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