Reviews
Corrie’s Capers are the best in the Westie
The Westie Fest: Corrie’s Capers is a beautifully illustrated book with lots of information about things to see and do on the Isle of Arran, along with a smidge of Gaelic. Corrie the West Highland Terrier, named after one of Arran’s villages, wants to do her Papa and her country proud by competing in the…
Read MoreScotland in the 19th century lives on in 3D
Most people assume that 3D imaging and virtual reality are relatively modern technologies. However, they were developed in St Andrews 170 years ago. Peter Blair has selected 3D images from his own collection to create a Victorian virtual reality tour of Scotland. A cardboard stereoscope is included with the book which allows you to view…
Read MoreEnjoy a tranquil tea time at Yamato restaurant
Mid week dinners at home can often be hasty rushed affairs where creativity and presentation are severely lacking. With that in mind, heading out to dinner on a school night is always a welcome treat, especially knowing that I won’t be left with the inevitable pile of washing up. Last Thursday my partner and I…
Read MoreA murder mystery that will keep you guessing
Private detective Leo Moran returns with this new murder mystery. This will keep you guessing because the author manages to create characters that are refreshingly different while effortlessly weaving Scottish history into this book, making for an intriguing narrative. The protagonist Leo, who enjoys the fi ner things in life, is an especially original character.…
Read MoreWe try and test the slow cooked free-range Loué turkey crown
We try and test the Slow Cooked Free-Range Loué Turkey Crown in Gravy from Donald Russell. I WANT IT BECAUSE: Christmas is almost upon us but we’re all horribly busy. This is delivered straight to your door, frozen. Royal Warrant holders Donald Russell are a Scottish company, the free-range birds are sustainably produced in France…
Read MoreYou can eat with real gusto at Gaucho
Steak lovers, read on. Gaucho, in St Andrew’s Square, Edinburgh, has recently re-launched its menu, and for carnivores it’s an absolute treat. This is the destination for top-quality Argentinian steaks and dishes from the wider Latin American region. The new menu is split into ‘classics’ and ‘nuevo’ sections, featuring dishes such as Gaucho’s signature empanadas and homemade sausages, along with…
Read MoreLove and war during the Jacobite risings
When her beloved husband decides to join the Jacobite cause – one that destroyed her family due to their support for the Catholic king, James II – Lady Winifred is left with a difficult choice. How much can she risk to keep her family together? Edwards gifts us an intricate story where love is pitted…
Read MoreThe artistic story of the Students at Hospitalfield
Hospitalfield was the nursery which cultivated around 700 20th century Scottish artists during its half a century in use. This book detils the history of Hospitalfield, located in Arbroath, and the impact it had on its community of artists who exchanged ideas there and found inspiration in the landscapes. Beardmore accompanies the fascinating history with…
Read MoreLidl House of Hortus offers a treat for the senses
Last week, Edinburgh’s Castle Street was transformed into a gin-lovers’ paradise. Set in a small, but beautifully decorated marquee, the Lidl House of Hortus pop-up gin club offered guests the chance to sample their extensive range of budget artisan gins. A feast for the eyes, walking into the venue felt like a treat in itself.…
Read MoreWild Wanderings: A Life Amongst Mountains
Phil Gribbon encompasses in a single book some of the most unbelievable stories lived during his 70 years of mountaineering in Wild Wanderings: A Life Amongst Mountains. The book is divided into ‘tales,’ each from a different expedition in which he makes and discoveries or encounters and overcomes new challenges. Gribbon paints a vivid picture,…
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