Poetry and photos from the Hebrides

The Spirit of the Hebrides combines poetry and photography to explore the land and seascapes of the islands in all seasons and weathers. It does this whilst paying homage to the Gaelic poet Sorley MacLean. This is a lovely book that will bring an instant sense of tranquility every time you decide to delve into…

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Another winner of a Scottish cookbook

The Lady Laird of Ballindalloch had no intention of serving up third helpings of homemade recipes with I Love Food 3, but I am thrilled she did. This instalment is packed with delectable ideas, and includes a special nod to the country’s exceptional game. As a pudding fiend, I’m taking note of her banana, orange…

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Photographer to reveal Desert Island Gardens

Britain’s premier gardens photographer is to share her Desert Island Gardens this week. Andrea Jones, who lives near Barr, in South Ayrshire, will be a guest of the Garden Masterclass, where she will chat with Noel Kingsbury and Annie Guilfoyle. Like radio series Desert Island Discs, Andrea will discuss her favourite gardens which she has…

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Susan Calman show searches for Scots’ happiness

Susan Calman is on a quest to investigate the weird and wonderful ways we are discovering unexpected hits of happiness in these uncertain times, in a brand new four part series for BBC Scotland. Each week Susan Calman’s Happy Space will seek out and celebrate the many ways, however odd, we are all seeking out…

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Scotland’s wildlife celebrated in a family book

100 Great Wildlife Experiences: What To See And Where is a family-friendly book, and author James D. Fair delivers exactly what he promises. Counting down 100 of the UK’s majestic fauna and flora, he takes his readers on a nationwide wildlife tour, recommending the best places to spot lapwings, willow warblers, pine martens and more…

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Research your Scottish family history at home

Scottish Ancestry Through Church & State Records is a thorough guide to Scotland’s genealogical landscape and is a useful tool for researchers of the diaspora to have at hand. Chris Paton examines common records used by family historians, including censuses, tax records and registers of land ownership. A basic knowledge of the legal system is…

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Sir Walter Scott’s love of angling is revealed

While on a tour of Sir Walter Scott’s glorious home Abbotsford, author Keith Harwood stumbled on the first hint of the writer’s life beyond poetry and literature, finding upon his hand-painted wallpaper the figure of an angler. In this book Harwood explores Scott’s love of fishing, detailing beautifully how he first caught the angling bug,…

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Celebrating 90 years of Scottish hostelling

Hostelling Scotland celebrated its 90th birthday on Scotland. Previously known as the Scottish Youth Hostels Association, to mark this major milestone the self-funded charity is introducing all babies born in the month of February 2021 to the world of hostelling by offering them a free lifetime membership (worth ÂŁ150). Since 1931, the organisation’s mission has…

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Famous clock restored by Johnnie Walker

One of Edinburgh’s best-known landmarks was restored in time for Valentine’s Day by Johnnie Walker. The beautiful cantilever clock is located on the corner of Princes Street and Hope Street at the heart of the city, making it the ideal rendezvous point for couples meeting before an evening out. It is known locally as the…

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A thrilling crime novel packed with suspense

Set in the familiar backdrop of bonnie Scotland, Douglas-Home has ingeniously tapped into the country’s intrinsic qualities to create a crime novel full of suspense. The journalist turned author juxtaposes the hustle of Edinburgh city centre with the eerily quiet hills of the Highlands, cleverly setting the perfect scene for crimes to be committed, and…

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