Reviews
A beautiful guide to the British landscape
From the still waters of the Lake District to the tumultuous winds in West Highland glens, Uncommon Ground: A Word-Lover’s Guide to the British Landscape is a visual glossary that aids those helplessly striving to describe the world around them. This glossary is a monumental celebration of the unique variation of landscape on this peculiar…
Read MoreA new account of the Scots at Waterloo
Iain Gale, an art critic, military historian, journalist and author, draws on modern-day accounts of the Battle of Waterloo and brings to life the individual stories of those who fought. The reader is thrown head first into the chaos of the battle, truly evoking the great sense of the terror endured by the brave cavalry. Read…
Read MoreWinter warmth marks Scottish Ensemble’s 50th
Scottish Ensemble’s ‘For a Winter’s Night’ series of Concerts by Candlelight was aptly named for its Edinburgh event, with the howling gales outside driving people off the streets and into the shelter of Greyfriars Kirk. But there was nothing wintry about the warmth of sound emerging from these exceptional string players as they explored an…
Read MoreA guide to Scotland – through alternative eyes
It’s been a long time since a book has made me genuinely laugh out loud but thanks to Maciejewski, my funny bone was well and truly tickled. By compiling an alphabetical list of the best of the worst observations as told by visitors to Scotland from the 17th to 19th century, this is a read…
Read MoreA mystery disappearance in Aberdeenshire
When her mother mysteriously and suddenly disappears, Ellie Rook returns from travelling the world to her family home in rural Aberdeenshire. Unwilling to accept what the rest of her family quickly believe, Ellie desperately searches for answers. Clouded by thoughts of an ancient legend, Ellie must determine fact from fiction while battling her grief. A…
Read MoreThe latest mystery for the ladies’ detective agency
The 20th book published in the much-loved series The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency is a story of mystery, community and of course, friendship. Alexander McCall Smith injects the usual levels of intelligent charm and wit along with beautifully detailed descriptions of the Botswanian landscape. As ever the question of the female identity is explored as…
Read MoreDiscover the Jacobites from outside of Scotland
When contemplating the subject of the Jacobites, thoughts turn to Bonnie Prince Charlie, Culloden and more recently, the hunky but fictional Jamie Fraser from Outlander. What many people – historians included – have often failed to consider is that not all Jacobites were Scottish. In this book Desmond Seward attempts to reveal a much more…
Read MoreA Scottish golfing guide that’s well up to par
For anyone looking to tick a few world famous golf courses off their bucket list, The Golf Lover’s Guide to Scotland provides all the details you might need to make the planning as seamless as possible. Information includes slope rating, whether you need to show a handicap certificate, caddie hire options and dress code so…
Read MoreHow Scotland fared during the Cold War
A detailed examination of Scotland’s role during the period of the Cold War and the probable outcomes facing our nation had WWIII broken out. Trevor Royle’s use of recently declassified official information and interviews with many of the key players at the time, make this a fascinating while occasionally unsettling journey into history. Between the…
Read MoreA history of money in Scotland’s capital
In truth, I’ve never previously considered the history behind money; my main focus tends to be on how to make more of the stuff. With this in mind I was surprised by how quickly I was drawn into the story of Edinburgh’s journey of wealth. Bookended by the two biggest financial catastrophes of our time…
Read More