Books
Full guest list revealed for Boswell Book Festival
The world’s only book festival dedicated to biography and memoir returns live to Dumfries House from 13-15 May 2022. Named in honour of the great biographer James Boswell, the first festival was in 2011. Following the success of last year’s online festival with guests and audiences from around the globe many of this year’s events…
Read MoreA true celebration of Scottish mountaineering
Subtitled ‘A Celebration of Scottish Mountaineering’, The Great Mountain Crags of Scotland is a huge guide to the greatest crags in Scotland revolves around some stunning photography. This, along with the first-hand experiences of some of Scotland’s greatest mountaineers and detailed descriptions of the places and possible routes to take, make this excellent book a…
Read MoreA whisky atlas of Europe will hit the shelves this week
An atlas covering the whisky (and whiskey) distilleries of Europe is set to be published next month. The Whisk(e)y Atlas Europe 2022 is the continuation of the Whisk(e)y Atlas North America 2021, with the aim being to show lovers of a dram the rapid development of whisk(e)y in recent years. However, this time, the focus…
Read MoreAn insight into changing Scotland in the 1700s
Scotland’s greatest historical controversialist brings us an engaging and very readable examination of the exemplary yet volatile political, economic and cultural landscape of 18th century Scotland. Among the many subjects the ever-provocative Michael Fry examines is the gradual, and often painful, evolution of a feudal land that shook up every facet of society, detailing how…
Read MoreA wonderful look at teaching on a Scottish island
Life as a teacher is trying enough without having to contend with scare resources, limited electricity, and the worry of pupils walking a dangerous path to reach their classes each day. Kate Riley, a former headteacher on Canna, delves deep into the history of the island’s 1878 schoolhouse, bringing to life those who preceded her.…
Read MoreAnother joyous trip to Scotland Street
Granny ‘Bana’ Morton always spoke of The Great McCall Smith. And here he is, 15 books into the world’s longest-running serial novel, 44 Scotland Street, proving that his writing is as timeless as it is beguiling for all age groups. This time, Bertie finds life moving at an extraordinary rate, and he’s under pressure to…
Read MoreLeaving it all behind in a bid to destress
In February 2019, award-winning writer Alex Roddie left his online life behind and headed for the highlands. The constant bleeping of blue screens vying for his attention Alex Roddie – an outdoor writer, photographer and editor who lives in Lincolnshire – at breaking point. Seeking headspace from his rising anxiety levels, he took on a…
Read MoreFour finalists for the 2021 Highland Book Prize
The Highland Society of London and Moniack Mhor Writers’ Centre have today announced the shortlist for the 2021 Highland Book Prize. This annual award celebrates the finest work that recognises the rich culture, heritage, and landscape of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. The prize aims to showcase the literary talent of the region and to…
Read MoreThe Heretic is a gripping read from start to end
The prequel to The Heretic, Liam McIlvanney’s The Quaker, earned him ‘The Scottish Crime Book of the Year’ prize. I’ve little doubt this will do just as well. It has all the ingredients for a classic piece of crime fiction: a dark, gritty plot, authentic characters and an unpredictable ending. Set in Scotland’s Dear Green…
Read MoreDelight as novel wins New Zealand Booklovers Award
A Scots-based writer’s first historical thriller has won the New Zealand Booklovers Award for Best Adult Fiction Book 2022. Written by Kiwi-born David Bishop, who has lived in Biggar, South Lanarkshire, for more than 20 years, City of Vengeance took the prize at the awards, which were announced last week. Writing as D.V. Bishop, the…
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