Reviews
An exciting tale set in medieval Europe
Neil Oliver, historian and charismatic presenter of BBC’s Coast, tells the exciting and fictional tale of a young Scot who sets off on a great journey across medieval Europe to fulfil a death-bed promise. Older children and teenagers will love the rich narrative and scintillating story-line inspired by real historical characters. Master of Shadows, by…
Read MoreEverything you wanted to know about whisky
If you’ve ever had a question about whisky, this book is sure to answer it. Written by three chaps who are leading experts in all things boozy, the book strips things back to the very beginning and attempts to uncover how the world’s obsession with the ‘water of life’ began. Including stunning images and recipes,…
Read MoreCelebrating the military units of Scotland
This extensive catalogue of Scottish military units raised throughout the world is sure to satisfy both military and tartan enthusiasts alike. The result of a labour of love, Alastair Campbell has put together an incredibly detailed resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the Scots’ global military might and impeccable style. Units include…
Read MoreVivid dramatic writing brings Sky Dance to life
You can almost feel the dramatic changes in temperature, so descriptive and atmospheric is John D Burns’ writing in Sky Dance. Set on a fictional Scottish island, this is a story based on very real issues affecting the wilderness in the Highlands of Scotland. As land owners clash with environmental protestors, the arguments are all…
Read MoreA journey into reality, folklore and legend
Caught between a physical journey in reality and a world of folklore and legend, this book takes the reader on a voyage that goes much deeper than most travel books. Years after the untimely death of his beloved aunt, Marsden is determined to complete a solo sail from his home in Cornwall, around the west…
Read MoreA fascinating guide to Scotland’s railways
Scotland contains some of the most beautiful railways in the world – indeed the West Highland Line is consistently voted as such. Michael Cobb’s atlas seeks to explore the relationships between railways and their landscapes, the villages and towns they dissect and the quiet countryside they disrupt. Cobb was clearly incredibly passionate about maps and…
Read MoreA 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…
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