Posts Tagged ‘reviews’
A fascinating look at Scotland’s lost distilleries
Scotch Missed is an interesting and informative guide to Scotland’s whisky industry. It offers the reader an insight into the history of the spirit and the struggles it has faced over time. It also has an area-specific guide to the country’s lost distilleries, some of which are now nothing more than a pile of rubble.…
Read MoreWilliam the cat – the saviour of Rosslyn Chapel
William is the guardian of Rosslyn Chapel. But with damp damaging the stonework, all is not well in the chapel. This delightful book combines refreshing language with charming characterisation. William the Cat and the Rescue of Rosslyn Chapel, by the Countess of Rosslyn, illustrated by Rosie Wellesley, published by the Rosslyn Chapel Trust, £7.95. [review…
Read MoreA moving journey of travels around the world
60 Degrees North – Around the World in Search of Home is written from the personal memoirs of Malachy Tallack’s travels. Tallack’s story is brave and honest, while also deeply moving. Although his physical journey is fascinating, it is through his emotional journey that he manages to overcome his feelings of isolation and grief, and grow to love…
Read MoreA mystery for a very young lady detective
Precious and the Zebra Necklace is the fourth of McCall Smith’s series of African adventures. It features Precious Ramotswe; the girl who grew up to be one of the most famous detectives in the world, as the first female private investigator in Botswana. With delightful illustrations from Iain McIntosh, this book will be thoroughly enjoyed by younger…
Read MoreAn exciting tale set in medieval Europe
Neil Oliver, historian and charismatic presenter of BBC’s Coast, tells the exciting and fictional tale of a young Scot who sets off on a great journey across medieval Europe to fulfil a death-bed promise. Older children and teenagers will love the rich narrative and scintillating story-line inspired by real historical characters. Master of Shadows, by…
Read MoreEverything you wanted to know about whisky
If you’ve ever had a question about whisky, this book is sure to answer it. Written by three chaps who are leading experts in all things boozy, the book strips things back to the very beginning and attempts to uncover how the world’s obsession with the ‘water of life’ began. Including stunning images and recipes,…
Read MoreCelebrating the military units of Scotland
This extensive catalogue of Scottish military units raised throughout the world is sure to satisfy both military and tartan enthusiasts alike. The result of a labour of love, Alastair Campbell has put together an incredibly detailed resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the Scots’ global military might and impeccable style. Units include…
Read MorePoems and pictures celebrate Edinburgh
Aspects of Edinburgh is a book of poems which is seamlessly punctuated with delicate drawings by John Knight. Through Conn’s words and Knight’s images, they manage to translate the feeling of Edinburgh onto paper. Having spent two decades living in Glasgow, Conn observes the folk of Edinburgh with fresh eyes and notices things in a…
Read MoreA gripping adventure in 19th century Scotland
The Crown Agent is an intriguing murder mystery set against the dramatic backdrop of eerie harbours, grand stately homes and a Scottish landscape which almost acts as a character in its own right. Dr Mungo Lyon, a surgeon in 1829 Edinburgh, is shunned professionally after the horrifying scandal of Burke & Hare is revealed. The…
Read MoreA fascinating guide to Scotland’s railways
Scotland contains some of the most beautiful railways in the world – indeed the West Highland Line is consistently voted as such. Michael Cobb’s atlas seeks to explore the relationships between railways and their landscapes, the villages and towns they dissect and the quiet countryside they disrupt. Cobb was clearly incredibly passionate about maps and…
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