Books
The Scottish roots of Dracula are revealed
When Brave Men Shudder: The Scottish Origins of Dracula is the previously untold story of how the terrifying character, capable of giving the toughest among us chills, was created. Shepherd is the first to investigate Bram Stoker’s time in Cruden Bay in detail. With an introdcution by Dacre Stoker, the great grand-nephew of Bram Stoker,…
Read MoreSequel to classic novel is full of intrigue
If you are looking for an adventure series to get stuck into, Castle Macnab book is certainly one to consider. As the sequel to John Buchan’s John Macnab, Robert J. Harris has created a novel full of intrigue which is played out in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Set in the 1920s, a group…
Read MoreA chance to re-discover Scotland’s natural wonders
Grab a cup of tea, sit down in the summerhouse and enjoy a moment of tranquility whilst reading Amanda Thomson’s delightful A Scots Dictionary of Nature. Split into six categories – land, wood, weather, birds, water and walking – the author has brought together some long-forgotten words that are customarily used to describe Scotland’s rich…
Read MoreA guide to the best of British shooting estates
The Great Shoots: Britain’s Finest Shooting Estates by Brian P Martin has been revised and revamped and is now in its third edition. For all those field sports and countryside fanatics out there, the book is one that has to feature on the bookshelves. Though it does not provide a ‘how-to’ guide on shooting, nor…
Read MoreNew book marks the thriving Glasgow food scene
A new book is celebrating the vibrant food scene of Glasgow and the glorious west coast countryside. Including the stories and recipes of award-winning restaurants such as The Gannet, Bilson Eleven, Ubiquitous Chip, Gamba, The Spanish Butcher and A’Challtainn, The Glasgow and West Coast Cook Book also introduces some new and exciting places to visit…
Read MoreA 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.…
Read MoreIgnite Fellowship winners revealed by book trust
Scottish Book Trust, the national charity transforming lives through reading and writing, has today announced the inaugural Ignite Fellowship awardees. Theatre-maker Annie George and poet Marjorie Lotfi Gill were selected by a panel including representatives from Scottish Book Trust and a professional writer. Annie George is based in Portobello, and her recent plays include Edinburgh…
Read MoreHooray for coorie with this charming new book
The Art of Coorie: How to Live Happy the Scottish Way is a charming book that conjures a strong sense of cosiness. Coorie is defined as ‘a hug of a word’ deriving from the old Gaelic word meaning ‘snug or cosy’. Gabriella Bennett is setting out to bring the Scottish equivalent of the Danish Hyyge to…
Read MoreThere’s no stopping the ladies in their 19th outing
The latest book in the No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, The Colour of all the Cattle does not disappoint. Despite being the 19th book in the series, McCall Smith has not run out of ideas, producing yet another engaging installment to join the rest of the series. The series follows protagonist Mma Precious Ramotswe in…
Read MoreCelebrating the best of the Scottish Highlands
North Coast Journey: the Magic of Scotland’s Northern Highlands is beautiful compendium of all that the Northern Highlands of Scotland has much to offer. Brigid Benson has created a comprehensive, yet beautifully presented guide to taking a North Coast journey. Highlighting curiosities and beauty spots and emphasising the importance of respecting the locals, she provides a…
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