Books
Writers give an insight into their fascinating work
Scotland’s book town is doing its bit to keep people entertained and informed during lockdown. From the personal to the national and international – the online Wigtown Wednesdays are a chance to explore change, renewal and vice. The free online sessions, organised by Wigtown Festival Company (WFC), have been a popular way for audiences to…
Read MoreA thrilling crime novel packed with suspense
Set in the familiar backdrop of bonnie Scotland, Douglas-Home has ingeniously tapped into the country’s intrinsic qualities to create a crime novel full of suspense. The journalist turned author juxtaposes the hustle of Edinburgh city centre with the eerily quiet hills of the Highlands, cleverly setting the perfect scene for crimes to be committed, and…
Read MoreTrying to find solace in Scotland’s mountains
Just Another Mountain is a beautifully candid memoir following the life of Munroist, Sarah Jane Douglas, and her battle with grief. After losing her mother to cancer, Douglas finds solace in climbing Scotland’s forbidding mountains. A heart-wrenching read, it is testament to the cathartic nature of the wilderness. True stories do not always see the…
Read MoreThe Scot whose book briefly outsold Dickens
The insatiable blood lust of celebrated big game hunters – and none was bloodier than a Scottish aristocrat whose books were briefly as popular as Dickens – sparked a Victorian craze for African safaris. Hunting big game for food may be an ancient practice – cave paintings depict early man hunting mammoth in groups –…
Read MoreThe perfect guide to discovering drams
For amateurs like me who are desperate to learn more about the water of life, this is a must-read. Ludlow’s whisky knowledge is clearly extensive, but by peppering his book with humour, helpful infographics and jargon-busting explanations, even I could follow the 20 at-home tastings, feeling I’d picked up a tip or two. The addition…
Read MoreThe perfect companion for model citizens
On the back of the success of Glasgow Museums’ ship model collection, they have created this extraordinary coffee table book. The Ship Models: A History and Complete Illustrated Catalogue has taken a decade to compile, covering all 676 ship models produced by Clyde shipyards and Glasgow-based ship owners. Ranging from the majestic RMS Queen Mary…
Read MoreAn essential guide mapping out the Munros
The result of a labour of love – and many long walks and aching legs – this colourful compendium maps all 282 Munros in all their glory. Published to mark the centenary of the death of Sir Hugh Munro, this reference book serves as the ideal starting point for any aspiring hillwalker or self-confessed Munro…
Read MoreCelebrating powerful Scottish women
Mairi Kidd dedicates a third of her book to powerful Scottish women (the remainder to Irish and Welsh equivalents) whose tales have been overlooked or banished to the footnotes of historic literature. It is hard to look beyond the underlying politics of the narrative – with a strong focus on the fight for gender equality…
Read MoreA lavish book celebrating the Art of Whisky
A lavish new book celebrates and illuminates one of the world’s most iconic spirits, through the eyes of internationally acclaimed and award-winning photographer, Jon Purcell. The Art in Whisky provides a captivating and unique photographic interpretation of the fascinating world of whisky. Taking readers on a visual journey that percolates through the entire crafting process…
Read MoreA murder mystery with humour and intensity
Bad Debt is a cracking crime novel with less gore, more intrigue. The storyline is a little far fetched – defence lawyer Robbie Munro’s wife is stalked by a witness in a trial that she is prosecuting, and Robbie is charged for the witness’ murder. But with Robbie’s first person narrative immersing the reader fully…
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