Books
On the buses for a fascinating time in transport
We see buses on our streets every day, but there’s a fascinating story about the industry as we know it today. On 26 October 1986 Britain’s bus services were deregulated. This applied to all services operated in England, Scotland and Wales (but not in Northern Ireland or London). In the run-up to deregulation the Scottish…
Read MoreA hugely amusing collection of tales from a Scottish vet
As a child, on long car journeys, my dad would often play talking book versions of the works of James Herriot. From an early age, I was taken by tales of the life of a vet, from the more difficult to the lighter side of life, and, of course, Only Creatures Great And Small was…
Read MoreWe discuss the new Scottish Field in our 16th podcast
The new issue of Scottish Field is now in shops and we bring you an extensive preview of it in this week’s podcast. Chief sub Rosie Morton and web editor Kenny Smith go through the latest edition in depth as they pick out their highlights of our August edition. The pair discuss the art of…
Read MoreOld Edinburgh Trams is a fascinating look at the past
Edinburgh’s tram system has created a lot of interest in other parts of Scotland, who are keen to see a once-common mode of transport restored in a modern way. With talks of extending the route throughout the capital, author Kenneth G Williamson has celebrated his love of trams with a book, Old Edinburgh Trams. The…
Read MoreA fascinating guide to Dundee Pubs past and present
One of the great things about visiting any city or town in Scotland is discovering its pubs. Whether you’re popping in for a quick drink, or to have a spot of lunch, you come to realise that so many of the buildings will have long and fascinating histories. Amberley Publishing are celebrating these drinking establishments…
Read MoreThe life of a highly-respected Scots surgeon
In this autobiography, Sir Kenneth Calman details his life as one of the most influential medics of his time. From growing up in a council house in Glasgow to becoming the only person to be appointed Chief Medical Officer of both Scotland and England, this is a story of hard work and perseverance. An awe-inspiring,…
Read MoreA mystery set on an anthrax testing island
Anthrax is the thrilling debut novel by D L Marshall, centring around the Anthrax testing island of Gruinard. A mixture of fact and fiction, this novel follows John Tyler as he is sent to the island to fix broken equipment. However, he soon realises there is more going on than at first meets the eye.…
Read MoreA gripping page-turner in the hunt for a killer
Set in St Andrews this crime novel, What They Knew, is a real page turner – although it may not be one to read just before bed. The fourth mystery in the series, DI Claire MacKay has been tasked with finding a killer who is particularly skilled at evading capture. Todd’s emotive language brings the…
Read MoreThe intriguing real life story of former MP Maria Fyfe
‘From council house to the House of Commons,’ the feeling roused by this quote is amplified the further you delve into Singing In The Streets. Maria Fyfe details her life from growing up in the Gorbals in post World War II Britain to her work as an MP for the Labour Party. She depicts the…
Read MoreHow to celebrate Robert Burns – 365 days of the year
Robert Burns is world renowned as Scotland’s greatest poet and lyricist. Pauline MacKay was thus inspired to create ‘Burns for Every Day of the Year’ to pay homage to his vast and diverse body of work. The book is comprised of some of Burns’ most famous pieces alongside lesser known poems, songs, extracts from letters…
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