Reviews
The First War of Independence in verse
De Moray a 2000 line epic poem, and when I say poem, I mean that it is written in rhyming couplets. None of your contemporary poetry here. There are two versions of the work, one in Scots and one in English. It tells the tale of Sir Andrew De Moray during the first War of…
Read MoreTen Scottish tales to appeal to children
Acclaimed children’s writer Lari Don retells ten spellbinding fables from across Scotland. She showcase the magic of Scottish storytelling as we meet fairies and selkies, brave warriors and courageous girls, in spellbinding tales from Scotland, from Orkney and Skye to Perthshire and the Borders. The stories included are The Selkie’s Toes, Tam Linn, The Ring…
Read MoreThe 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 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…
Read MoreThe story of philanthropist A. K. Bell and the Gannochy Trust
There have always been people who are in successful in life, who feel a moral duty of care to help those less well off. In A Roof Over One’s Head, writer Jeremy Duncan narrates the history of the work of A.K. Bell and the Gannochy Trust. The Trust was founded in 1937 by Scottish businessman…
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