Books
The family who swapped London for the West Highlands
Eric Macleod brings his remarkable memoir of his family’s years spent living in the remote West Highlands up to date in this second edition. A witty and moving account, it includes a chapter to answer the questions for those wondering what happened once the family left their unlikely Eden and if any regrets accompanied their…
Read MoreThe story of a 19th century Scots campaigner
This is a unique and fascinating tale about Mary MacPherson – known as Màiri Mhòr – Skye’s 19th century bard and political campaigner. She made her name by vocalising the plight of crofters through song writing and activism. Her rage and despair at being falsely imprisoned in Inverness led to a poetic outpouring of songs,…
Read MoreNew trustees join the Wigtown festival board
Wigtown Festival Company has welcomed two distinguished new trustees to its board. The organisation makes a highly significant contribution to the community, culture and economy of Dumfries and Galloway – and the whole of Scotland. It best known for the annual Wigtown Book Festival but also runs an ever-growing programme of events year-round, including the…
Read MoreMysteries as people vanish on a Scots island
The fictional island of Bancree, a place inspired by the author’s trips to the Scottish isles, plays host to a story of mystery and intrigue about a teenage girl and a string of disappearances. People aren’t only arriving on Bancree – they are disappearing too. When a mysterious man and his daughter move into isolated…
Read MoreCelebrating Scots best-selling writer Alistair MacLean
A documentary marking one of the planet’s best-selling authors is being shown tonight. April 2022 sees the centenary of the birth of Scottish novelist and screenwriter Alistair MacLean. His action-packed thrillers have sold more than 150 million copies. The Guns of Navarone, Ice Station Zebra, Where Eagles Dare and When Eight Bells Toll – were…
Read MoreA fresh look at a Scottish hero – Robert the Bruce
Robert the Bruce, by James Robertson, is a fresh perspective on one of the most celebrated Scots. It’s a captivating and visually striking book. Vibrant illustrations and concise information help to rejuvenate the man behind the myths as we follow his early years of struggle and defeat, to his legendary victory at the Battle of…
Read MoreAn in-depth look at the Battle of Bannockburn
No matter whether the only history you know is from Commando Comics or Horrible Histories, if there is one fact that almost every Scot knows, it is who won the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. A bloody contest that resulted in the unlikely outcome of the Scots squashing a numerically superior English force to end…
Read MoreThe communities taking ownership of their land
In recent years, communities in the Scottish Highlands and Islands have taken ownership of more than half a million acres – an area equivalent to that of an English county like Nottinghamshire or West Yorkshire. In places long characterised by contracting economies and shrinking populations, this remarkable development has resulted in new homes, new businesses,…
Read MoreA guide to 1001 whiskies that you must try
1001 Whiskies You Must Try Before You Die notes drams from Scotland, Ireland, the United States, Japan, India and the rest of the world. And this is a must-read for any adventurous whisky enthusiast. From age-old Scottish classics like Springbank, to new and emerging whiskies in Japan, this book celebrates the unique and incredible world…
Read MoreThe real story of a teenager’s battle with tuberculosis
Sometimes we don’t appreciate just how comparatively easy life is for the majority of us. We expect we can go out and about, walk around with friends and meet them when it’s possible, enjoy liberties and be able to socialise. But that wasn’t the kind of life that Jean Anderson has lived. In 1951, when…
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