Books
Book review: The Many Days
Sammi Minion reviews The Many Days by Scottish poet Norman MacCaig First released in 2010, the collection that celebrated the centenary of the birth of Edinburgh’s Norman MacCaig is now available in paperback, and is the best place to experience MacCaig, the writer who Seamus Heaney lauded as ‘He means poetry to me’. This collection also…
Read MoreBook review: 101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die
Sammi Minion reviews 101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die by Ian Buxton who began working in the Scotch whisky industry in 1987. This compact guide is ideal for both seasoned whisky connoisseurs and those new to the world of whisky. Buxton recommends a perfect balance of classic brands alongside exciting new drams, ensuring accessibility for…
Read MoreBook review: The Tongue She Speaks
Sammi Minion reviews The Tongue She Speaks, a new novel by Scottish author and journalist Emma Grae, from Glasgow. Emma Grae’s new novel The Tongue She Speaks makes for a captivating read. From the frame of a seemingly typical teenage thriller lies a far more complex and compelling story, brought to life by an engrossing plot…
Read MoreAuthor Michael Pedersen appointed as University of Edinburgh Writer in Residence
Award-winning poet and author Michael Pedersen has been appointed as the newest Writer in Residence at the University of Edinburgh. The Edinburgh-born author joins a stellar line-up of writers who have previously held the role including author and poet Jenni Fagan, poet and playwright Liz Lochhead, Scottish Gaelic poet Sorley Maclean and poet and teacher…
Read MoreEdinburgh author Sarah Byrom releases new memoir
A tribute to her childhood and celebrating the ‘bonkerness’ of daily family life, Sarah Byrom’s new memoir is a real treasure. Marmalade Raspberries & Albrecht – a Poetry Prose Memoir is a labour of love for the author. It took over a year to write but 13 years to publish. The book is an illustrated…
Read MoreReview: Scotland’s Inaugural Romance Festival
Megan Amato reviews First Date: Scotland’s Inaugural Romance Festival. Romance, as a genre across all forms of media, is often dismissed for having predictable (see: happy) endings and a formulaic plot. But every genre has its tropes and beats, and despite how ‘easy’ it may seem, it takes a lot of skill to keep your readers…
Read MoreOutlander author Diana Gabaldon to star on Love Scotland podcast
Her novels have brought the romance and drama of Scottish history to life for more than 50 million readers worldwide. And now Outlander author Diana Gabaldon is set to feature on the upcoming season of Jackie Bird’s podcast. Series six of Love Scotland will kick off with Gabaldon, bestselling author of the iconic Outlander series –…
Read MoreScottish children’s author Molly Arbuthnott on taking her hit series to the big screen
It was a story that was inspired by her cat after it got lost on a ferry to South Uist. But ten years later Scottish children’s author Molly Arbuthnott, 36, is now trying to secure funding from the British Film Institute to make her hit series Oscar the Ferry Cat into an animated TV show.…
Read MoreGreta Thunberg to take part in Edinburgh International Book Festival
Climate activist Greta Thunberg will take part in a special event at this year’s Edinburgh International Book Festival. The Swedish environmental campaigner will give a speech, followed by an in-depth conversation about her activism. Greta, 20, will also discuss her book The Climate Book, which saw her call on the wisdom of more than one…
Read MoreAlistair Moffat on why book festivals still matter in the modern world
As the Borders Book Festival gets ready to return next month for its 20th edition, founder and director Alistair Moffat tells Scottish Field why it still matters in the modern world. It seemed like a good idea at the time. Twenty years ago, I invited four writers to come to a tiny, ninety seat theatre…
Read More