Posts Tagged ‘review’
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…
Read MoreThe story of the man behind New Lanark
The first full biography of David Dale, founding father of socialism, this book reflects 30 years of research. David J McLaren came to know about Dale through an interest in Robert Owen’s New Lanark, the famous 18th-century cotton-spinning community, and his attempts to forge a ‘new view’ of society. But it was during Dale’s ownership…
Read MoreThe essential guide to fantastic gins
We are in the middle of a gin craze – hardly a week goes by without the release of a new brand or artisanal distillery and serious gin bars are stocking well over 300 brands. But how do you choose? Is Edinburgh Gin a style, or just a name? Can a rose-flower and cucumber infusion…
Read MoreA guide to one of the most important gardens
Regarded as one of the most important gardens in Britain, Little Sparta in the Pentland Hills has become renowned the world over. Ian Hamilton Finlay’s anarchic collection contains 300 artworks by himself and others, designed to evolve over time. This beautifully illustrated guide to the garden is the perfect companion for anyone visiting or interested…
Read MoreA girl’s battle with anorexia told with honesty
Tina McGuff’s life was perfect – or so she thought. Living in Dundee with her devoted parents and three younger sisters, she was a happy, healthy and confident thirteen-year-old. When Tina’s mother attacked her father in a premeditated act of revenge, Tina’s life changed forever. As her family fell apart at the seams, the weight…
Read MoreCelebrating salmon and fishing on the Tweed
Arguably the greatest salmon fishing system in Europe, the River Tweed is well known for its 98-mile long stretch of water that is perfect for the sport. While many writers such as William Scrope and Tom Stoddart have previously written about salmon fishing on the River Tweed, none have managed to cover the stretch in…
Read MoreShining a light on Scotland’s lighthouses
Scotland has an especially rich lighthouse tradition, mainly due to a dynasty of Stevenson engineers covering over a century. All of them had a profound understanding of weather and geology. This fine illustrated book highlights the contribution made by lighthouse keepers to the study of natural history. A Natural History of Lighthouse, by John A…
Read MoreDaring to dream to discover more of Gavin Maxwell
Being offered a position as warden of Kyleakin Lighthouse Island, the last home of Ring of Bright Water author Gavin Maxwell, was a dream come true for Dan Boothby. This book tells of his time living on this tiny island on the Western seaboard of the Highlands; the people he met, and the history that…
Read MoreThe Reiver Rat is a good Scots read for children
If The Reiver Rat sounds familiar, then the chances are you may well have either read it, or heard of it before. Translated by James Robertson and featuring Axel Scheffler’s engaging illustrations, this brilliant Scots version of The Highway Rat serves as a great, entertaining introduction to the ‘mither’ tongue for youngsters. With the flow…
Read MoreA fascinating history of Scotland’s pubs
Having visited Scotland, Samuel Johnson, James Boswell, Dorothy Wordsworth and Robert Southey all wrote accounts of their experiences in its taverns, inns, public houses and ale houses, which form a large part of Scotland’s history and character. A History of Drinking: The Scottish Pub since 1700 examines continuity and change in the functions of Scottish…
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