The mystery of the missing Roman legion

The disappearance of Lego IX Hispana has long been a mystery, sparking debate and theories for decades. In this fascinating book, Missing Legion, Simon Elliott sets out in great detail the evidence for some of these theories. Elliott’s writing style makes the book easy to follow and understand even if you are not familiar with…

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A real celebration of Scotland’s women of note

An unwillingness to acknowledge women or their achievements is a thread woven through history in every corner of the globe. It’s with this in mind that Stevenson has written a collection of poems which celebrate and pay tribute to the many women who have contributed to Scottish history, from queens and scientists to salt-sellers and…

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Charting Scotland’s long history through verse

An anthology of poetry charting Scotland’s journey through the high and low points of its history using the medium of verse. This unique poetic saunter through the centuries also includes a useful little explanation of the background and the events that led to the penning of each poem. This book is the perfect way to…

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Argyll celebrated in geography and biography

Author Ian Bradley’s love of Argyll shines through as he takes both a geographical and biographical approach. He looks at the interplay of landscape and Christian belief through figures such as Columba, Carswell, sundry Campbells, George Matheson, George MacLeod and others. Drawing on original research and interviews, this is an enthralling and fascinating read for…

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Scots history is reimagined to celebrate women

Where are the Women? by Sara Sheridan reimagines a Scottish history as one in which men are no longer disproportionately commemorated and women’s triumphs are lauded. In Sheridan’s world, Arthur’s Seat is renamed in honour of early Christian St Triduana, while the cave at Staff a references Malvina, not Fingal. The author asks readers to imagine…

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The historic links between the Scots and the Flemish

Alexander Fleming has produced a fascinating and informative yet academic account of the key role that Flemish immigrants have played in Scottish history. The incomers who arrived from Flanders in the centuries after the Norman Invasion were soldiers, settlers, traders, tradesmen, diplomats and dynasts who all shared a creative outlook which helped them to adapt…

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A 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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The 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…

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A murder mystery that will keep you guessing

Private detective Leo Moran returns with this new murder mystery.  This will keep you guessing because the author manages to create characters that are refreshingly different while effortlessly weaving Scottish history into this book, making for an intriguing narrative. The protagonist Leo, who enjoys the fi ner things in life, is an especially original character.…

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Public can have their say to honour figures from Scotland’s proud past

The Scottish public which figures from history they would like to see celebrated with a commemorative plaque. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has opened up nominations for the national commemorative plaque scheme. Now in its sixth year, the scheme has seen diverse figures from Scottish history remembered – from famous inventors like James Watt and John…

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