Reviews
The biggest secrets of the Cairngorms revealed
I defy anyone to look at the front cover of the beautiful The Secret Life of the Cairngorms and not have a wee smile on their face. Illustrated with a stunning selection of Andy Howard’s photographs, the book celebrates the wildlife and landscape of the Cairngorms National Park in all its glory. Anyone who has visited…
Read MoreCelebrating the capital in words and pictures
Edinburgh means different things to many people. In this book, the product of a collaboration between photographer Allan Wright and poet Gerda Stevenson, the interaction of their dual perspectives on the capital makes for a different take on the traditional Edinburgh coffee table book. Eighty-seven photographs are accompanied by 22 new poems, some in Scots,…
Read MoreA handy guide to the Battle of Bannockburn
Battle Story: Bannockburn 1314 is a handy sized guide to one of the most significant battles between Scotland and England. Maps, images and time lines help to make this an extremely accessible read, while the profiles of leaders make an interesting addition to the story of the battle. A great account of the events of…
Read MoreMarking Scottish Opera’s first half century
50 Years of Scottish Opera: A Celebration is a hefty but well put together coffee table book spanning half a century of Scottish Opera. The book is, as you would expect, packed with fabulous photographs of the productions that have been put on over these five decades. These are punctuated by quotes, anecdotes, memories and…
Read MoreHow Scotland spread out to influence the world
Scotland’s Global Empire is a well-written and impeccably researched guide to some fascinating and lesser known characters and their magnificent achievements. I found the lack of images and the sheer weight of words within this chronicle a problem, making it difficult to get started on and impossible to pick up and devour in small chunks,…
Read MoreA laugh out loud read of history through Scots eyes
I literally laughed out loud at this hilarious wee book, If History Was Scottish. These are choice quotes from the biggest players, spoken at the most important moments in history. The twist is that they have been changed to reflect what a Scot would have said at that time and place. I can just imagine…
Read MoreHappy nostalgia for beach holidays in Scotland
Wish You Were Still Here: The Scottish Seaside Holiday is a nostalgic look at the long lost Scottish beach holiday. There are plenty of old images which are sure to bring back happy childhood memories for those who enjoyed an annual summer staycation as well as some lovely (and cheeky) old postcard pics. This is…
Read MoreCelebrating the popular superfood – kale
Championed by chefs, health experts and celebrities alike, kale has become one of the world’s most renowned superfoods. With plenty of the curly green grown in Scotland, you are sure to find the freshest ingredients and this useful pocket-sized recipe book presents a variety of ways you can incorporate the nutritious vegetable into your everyday…
Read MoreScots author’s exciting fantasy novel
This supernatural fantasy novel for young adults tells the story of Maggie, a girl with supernatural powers, who is sent to fight a coven of German witches during World War II. Whilst at war Maggie falls in love, forcing her to test her emotional strength and power in order to keep her loved one safe.…
Read MoreA guide to the best scrambling in Scotland
Suitable for all scramblers, from first timers to seasoned pros, Classic Mountain Scrambles in Scotland is a comprehensive and enjoyable guide to the best places for scrambling, covering the mainland of Scotland and the Inner Hebrides. This latest edition includes 70 new photographs from the author, IOS maps and easy-to-follow instructions for each suggested scramble,…
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