Posts Tagged ‘review’
The story of Britain’s most beautiful shortcut
The Crinal Canal runs across the Kintyre peninsula – and by 1854, 33,000 passengers had been transported along it. Marian Pallister explores the canal from its origins, discussing the purpose and method of its construction, the ways in which it has been used and the effect it has had on its surroundings. The outcome is…
Read MoreExploring the Highland distilleries on a Vespa
After a successful tour of Tuscany by Vespa, Ben Birdsall has taken on the ultimate whisky tour – three weeks, one thousand miles and many many distilleries in the Highlands and western islands of Scotland. On a 1979 50cc Vespino that manages to average just 20mph, Birdsall explores the myths and mysteries of over 40…
Read MoreThe true story of Robert the Bruce – the Outlaw King
Myth and legend are stripped away to reveal the true and incredibly complicated tale of Scotland’s outlaw King, Robert the Bruce. Highly regarded as an expert on 14th-century Scottish history, Brown’s approach to dissecting true history and stripping away the many fabrications results in an easy read which is both engaging and informative. A great…
Read MoreThe real story of former slave who escaped to Scotland
Historically overlooked, Jeffrey Green explores the African-American people who travelled to Britain to escape the horrors of slavery in America. This includes the fascinating story of H.E. Lewis, a former slave who came to Scotland in the 1850s and worked as a hypnotist, making strangers fall asleep and then act on his suggestions. He also…
Read MoreHow Britain created an army from volunteers
Lord Herbert Kitchener’s actions as the Secretary of State for War in 1914 have forever immortalised him in the pages of history. By predicting that the war would last for at least three years and require huge new armies, he campaigned for and organised the largest volunteer army that Britain had ever seen. Doyle and…
Read MoreThe damage done to the Scots landscape and wildlife
Scotland: A Rewilding Journey forces you to take a deeper and often more uncomfortable look at the state of the Scottish landscape and the wounds we humans have inflicted upon it and the once abundant wildlife who call it home, or once did. This detailed exploration of the true meaning of ‘rewilding’ brings the consequences…
Read MoreSwapping London for a quiet Scottish Island
One day, whilst on holiday from her busy job in London, Anne Cholawo came across something that would change her life forever. It was a small advert for a property on the Island of Soay, which sparked a sense of intrigue and before she knew it, Anne was on a boat, making her way toward…
Read MoreStepping back to the golden age of Scottish steam
Steam in Scotland tells the fascinating stories of our transport history and using images which have not previously appeared in print. Edinburgh-born Kevin McCormack takes us back in time to witness the steam locomotives typical of Scotland in the 1950s and 60s. A perfect coffee table book for any train enthusiast, each picture includes an…
Read MoreA walk in the country tied to the autumn of life
Through his countryside walks, Jim Crumley depicts the colourful passage from September to November. Inspired by his experiences of the wonders of wildlife during autumn, powerfully described as ‘a shifting sorcery of shapes and shades’. However, the coming of autumn coincides with the death of his father and therefore resonates in him a more poignant connection to the season. The Nature of Autumn, by…
Read MoreNew plans to help save the Scottish Wildcat
Plans to give the Scottish wildcat a sustainable future are now underway. They come after the release of a report by members of The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Cat Specialist Group. The report, published today, reviews all evidence collected and concludes there is no longer a viable wildcat population living wild in…
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