Reviews
Grandfather’s notes make for a fascinating history
Historical discoveries are amazing things, especially if there’s a family connection. While canvassing for the Scottish independence referendum in 2014, MSP Neil Findlay made a discovery. Visiting the home that used to be his grandparents’, he was shown a plywood panel where John Jock Findlay, his grandfather, had written his life’s tale. Fascinated, Neil transcribed…
Read MoreA gripping Scottish time travel read for children
Over the past few years, Rennie McOwan has been crafting a series of adventures for children. The Clan series, which features the adventures of Gavin, Clare, Michael and Mot, has seen them feature in Light on Dumyat, The White Stag Adventure and The Day The Mountain Moved. Jewels on the Move is the fourth in…
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 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 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…
Read MoreA fascinating tale packed with gripping twists and turns
The ever witty Catriona McPherson has outdone herself in the latest instalment of the Dandy Gilver adventures. Set in Dundee, The Mirror Dance follows the private investigator as she helps solve a copyright dispute involving a travelling puppeteer and a local publishing house. However, like most detective series, all is not as simple as it…
Read MoreA life on the hills is a fascinating chronicle
It isn’t very often you see books documenting a life spent on the hills. But in Sixty Glorious Seasons: The Memoirs of Finlay Mackintosh, a Badenoch Stalker 1883-1966, we learn the subject certainly lived a fascinating life. His time working in Badenoch as a stalker is inspiring, especially for those who know the area themselves.…
Read MoreA short story collection from beautiful Speyside
Set in beautiful Speyside, Speyside Memories contains a collection of short stories based on the author’s experiences of living in the area. The eleven stories begin with Matheson reminiscing over his childhood living on a small farm during wartime. The retired surgeon, who worked as a consultative surgeon in Aberdeen, then delves into his love…
Read MoreThe noble Scottish family who had it all – and lost it
The debut book by television producer Simon Welfare depicts the fascinating lives of John and Ishbel Gordon, the Marquess and Marchioness of Aberdeen. The couple aimed to change the world with their passion for philanthropic endeavours and social reform. However, they ended up losing their fortune after years of generosity. As the couple were the…
Read MoreA fascinating insight to restoring Scotland’s skies
In the current climate, Restoring The Wild: Sixty Years of Rewilding Our Skies is more important than ever. Roy Dennis has spent his entire career working in Scotland on the conservation of rare birds and the reintroduction of lost species. With chapters titled ‘Endurance’, ‘Optimism’, ‘Global Vision’ and ‘Legacy’, Roy’s passion and love of wildlife…
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