Commemorating the Battle of Prestonpans

The countdown is on to the commemoration of one of the UK’s most significant Jacobite battles, the Battle of Prestonpans. From a largescale re-enactment to unique exhibitions and workshops, this year sees a programme of activity marking the historic and cultural legacy of the battle. The events, which are supported by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s…

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A light-hearted tale set in the Scottish Highlands

The Peacock is light-hearted read set in a dilapidated castle in the Highlands. Following a group of investment bankers who rent out a space for a weekend of team building, they find themselves at Lord and Lady McIntosh’s stately home. Slapstick humour reigns supreme as most of their plans go awry and new stumbling blocks…

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Review: The End of the Line

On reading the themes of The End of the Line before I went I felt I was about to enter the very throat of the dragon that is modern woke: divorce, loneliness of the young, eating disorder, therapy, reality over expectation etc. it was all there. How very, very wrong I was about my preconceived…

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Review: Ciara Harvie stars with silver screen songs

I have no idea what the typical congregation turnout for a Sunday at the beautiful St Cuthbert’s Church is but what I do know is word of Ciara Harvie has got out.  The number of attendees would be the envy of any clergyman. Ciara chose the theme of cinema songs set to her unique operatic…

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Review: Ciara Harvey stars with silver screen songs

I have no idea what the typical congregation turnout for a Sunday at the beautiful St Cuthbert’s Church is but what I do know is word of Ciara Harvie has got out.  The number of attendees would be the envy of any clergyman. Ciara chose the theme of cinema songs set to her unique operatic…

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The relaxing power of going fishing

Award-winning novelist and journalist David Profumo’s latest book centres around the restorative power of being at one with nature, particularly while fishing. Those with a passion for fishing often talk of its therapeutic qualities, all-too-often triggering an eye-roll from those less enamoured of the pastime. Profumo, however, convinces even the most hesitant reader to acquaint…

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Looking to fight back against global warming

With a title that relates to the classic song Riders on the Storm by the Doors, this book immediately had my attention. However it is far from fun and games as it presents the seriousness of our situation and our rather pathetic fight against global warming. Despite the Coronavirus, Alastair McIntosh still deems global warming…

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Questions for humanity’s future through verse

Born in Ireland in 1970 and currently teaching at Aberdeen University, David Wheatley is a well-known Irish poet. His work has appeared in multiple anthologies including The Penguin Book of Irish Poetry. With many prizes and awards under his name, The President of Planet Earth is no exception to his successful streak. Wheatley brings us…

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A thriller taking a look at the Scottish oil industry

If you are interested in the pursuit of equality in the workplace but also have a mind for dark thrillers, political corruption, and corporate cover ups, this is the golden nugget. Black Blood follows the story of Danni, a corporate lawyer completing her traineeship before circumstances circling around an abusive partner force her out of…

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A gripping read that will keep youngsters happy

As a boy, I always loved the stories of Robert Louis Stevenson, Enid Blyton and Arthur Ransome, when young people became involved in the adult world. Somehow or other, the youngsters involved would manage to save the day, and stop the smugglers, the thieves, or whatever villainous plots the ne’er-do-wells had in mind. There’s an…

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