Books
How Mary, Queen of Scots, used fabrics in policitcs
Reading Embroidering Her Truth really was a pleasant surprise. In an age when textiles expressed power, Mary, Queen of Scots exploited their symbolism artfully. The most famous example was wearing red – the martyr’s colour – at her execution, but Hunter outlines the many subtle and not-so-subtle ways in which Mary used fabrics to her…
Read MoreA host of big names headline Borders Book Festival
The Borders Book Festival programme is returning this summer with a big-name guest list. Tickets are now on sale, as organisers prepare to welcome back on stage big names in books; stars of stage and screen, and leading figures from the world of politics and current affairs. Returning to its usual home at Harmony Garden,…
Read MoreAn academic read covering the Romans in Scotland
Think you know about the earliest Roman invasion in Caledonia? Think again. This mind-boggling study offers an alternative view on what happened in AD 83, presents new findings that are well-argued and researched, and calls into question popular historical beliefs about the Roman campaigns. Author Simon Forder also suggests a new location for the Battle…
Read MoreScotland’s wartime radar history is revealed
The fascinating history of Scotland’s wartime radar stations and the vital role they played in the Second World War is revealed in a new book. It has been written by National Museums Scotland aviation curator, Ian Brown, and will be published this month by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Featuring a unique blend of…
Read MoreThe perfect guide to the outdoors – by an expert
Anna Fleming, a qualified mountain leader who has worked for the Cairngorms National Park Authority, leads the way on epic rock climbing adventures. She travels through the Peak District, Yorkshire, Cairngorms, Wales and beyond. Having gone from a novice to an expert rock-jock, Fleming shares the highest highs and lowest lows that each climb has…
Read MoreA love of fishing shines through in this book
Author Drew Jamieson’s wealth of experience, gained through years of immersing himself in the world of fishing, its places and, crucially, by spending time with its people, shines through in this lovely wee book. Whether or not you are a fishing expert, or even a passing enthusiast, this is a thoroughly enjoyable read. In fact,…
Read MoreA guide to Scotland’s lost railway lines
As cars turned the world of transport on its head, multiple Scottish railway branch lines were swept away by the ‘Beeching Axe’. With that in mind, Spaven – an award-winning author with a life-long interest in the rail industry – meanders along the country’s old branch lines, examining both their glory days and the devastating…
Read MoreSponsorship makes schools book festival free for all
The Edinburgh International Book Festival has announced that this year’s Schools Programme will be entirely free thanks to the generosity of long-term Lead Sponsor Baillie Gifford. In addition to all tickets being free, every child attending in person will receive a free book, and free online resources will be made available on the Book Festival’s…
Read MoreThe corrupt world of business and politics
As part of the Angus Blue series, this third edition details a thrilling investigation led by DI Blue who is drawn into the corrupt world of business and politics. As we have come to expect of Martin, he has excelled himself with vivid descriptions of Scotland – in this case, of Oban – adding authenticity…
Read MoreA celebration of a legendary Scots piper
I Piped, That She Might Dance follows the story of Angus MacKay of Raasay, a legendary piper and extraordinary exponent of Scottish music. In fact, he may have been one of the most significant Highland pipers in history, having published a collection of music that was used as the foundation for the Piobaireachd Society’s Collection.…
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