Posts Tagged ‘reviews’
A Scottish family bus business that grew and fell
The McKindless Group by David Devoy is the story of a family business which got out of its depth. The McKindless bus company started off as a small operation of a few buses, a lorry and two coaches in 1987. After providing mostly school contracts and private hires, the company began to venture into local…
Read MoreThe rise and sad fall of the Strathtay Bus Group
Strathtay Scottish Buses by David Devoy is an interesting tale of expansion, contraction, and ultimately the oblivion of the group. Strathtay Scottish was a product of the state-owned Scottish Bus Group’s attempts to prepare for deregulation and possible privatisation in the mid-1980s. Eventually, after being taken over by several different entities which culminated in the…
Read MoreScotland’s chocolate features in new guidebook
When asked about Britain’s chocolate output, you would be forgiven if you immediately thought of chocolate bars wrapped in iconic purple packaging, the compulsory Christmas selection boxes, or the legendary chocolate orange. However, Andrew Baker’s ‘A Chocolate Lover’s Guide to Britain’ reveals that the British chocolate industry is so much more than these much-loved, mass…
Read MoreA train of thought in turning back the clock
Industrial Locomotives & Railways of Scotland is the ninth volume of the ten-part series of regional books examining the industrial railways of England, Scotland and Wales. Gordon Edgar uses previously unpublished photographs accompanied by detailed captions to reflect on the changing face of the Scottish railway industry over the last six decades. The diversity of…
Read MoreCelebrating the most unique lighthouse in Scotland
On the extreme north-east point of the Scottish mainland lies the promontory of Kinnaird Head, home to the only lighthouse in the world to be built into a castle. The Kinnaird Lighthouse, originally constructed in 1571, has played host to lairds, lords and Jacobites over its five hundred year history. After being saved from various…
Read MoreA look at Stirling through its beautiful buildings
Stirling may be Scotland’s smallest city, but after being granted city status during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002, its history and heritage have begun to be fully appreciated. Jack Gillon takes the reader on a tour of 50 of Stirling’s finest buildings and structures, celebrating the city’s immense architectural heritage and ancient character. With…
Read MoreA gardener’s guide to growing in Scotland
With its maritime climate, ample rainfall and rarity of really hot weather, Scotland is one of the best places in the world to garden. But choosing plants suited to the local conditions is critical. Kenneth Cox and Raoul Curtis-Machin evaluated the performance of thousands of plants in gardens all over Scotland, drawing on the knowledge…
Read MoreRemembering the lost regiments of Britain
From the very beginning, regiments formed the backbone of the British Army. It is a single institution that reflects the way the people of Britain view themselves and their past. Here, Trevor Royle explores the histories of the many regiments that have disappeared; to celebrate their existence, as well as the men and officers who…
Read MoreAn indispensible guide to historical Orkney
Despite lying only 20 miles north of mainland Scotland, for much of its history Orkney has related more to Scandinavian culture. Its particular ecosystem means there is a wealth of settlements for archaeologists and historians to explore. Caroline Wickham-Jones, a renowned expert on the island, introduces its history and outlines major places of interest for…
Read MoreA celebration of four breathtaking Scots islands
Beyond the British shores and straight out to sea lie the most exquisite islands, just waiting to be explored. Lundy, Rockall, Dogger and Fair Isle are little worlds which are unique in their rugged, breathtaking geography, their legends and folklore. Here, words and art are brought together to create a beautiful, illustrated celebration of the…
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