Reviews
William the cat – the saviour of Rosslyn Chapel
William is the guardian of Rosslyn Chapel. But with damp damaging the stonework, all is not well in the chapel. This delightful book combines refreshing language with charming characterisation. William the Cat and the Rescue of Rosslyn Chapel, by the Countess of Rosslyn, illustrated by Rosie Wellesley, published by the Rosslyn Chapel Trust, £7.95. [review…
Read MoreA moving journey of travels around the world
60 Degrees North – Around the World in Search of Home is written from the personal memoirs of Malachy Tallack’s travels. Tallack’s story is brave and honest, while also deeply moving. Although his physical journey is fascinating, it is through his emotional journey that he manages to overcome his feelings of isolation and grief, and grow to love…
Read MoreA mystery for a very young lady detective
Precious and the Zebra Necklace is the fourth of McCall Smith’s series of African adventures. It features Precious Ramotswe; the girl who grew up to be one of the most famous detectives in the world, as the first female private investigator in Botswana. With delightful illustrations from Iain McIntosh, this book will be thoroughly enjoyed by younger…
Read MoreThe Battle of Waterloo – from Scottish eyes
In his exciting book, historian Owen Dudley Edwards explores the significance of Waterloo and its ramifications for Scotland. With a fresh approach to the battle, Edwards showcases contemporary Scottish opinion, drawing on a satisfactory societal cross section – from painters to doctors. Scotland’s Waterloo, by Owen Dudley Edwards, published by Luath Press Ltd, £9.99 [review…
Read MoreAn 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…
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