Reviews
Saving the wildcats – Scotland’s Highland tiger
For someone who initially had no particular interest in wildcats, I finished this book feeling massively concerned for their welfare and vulnerability. Marianne Taylor delves into the fascinating lives of Scottish wildcats in her Highland journey, during which she hopes to catch sight of these elusive animals. They face alarming endangerment so a need for…
Read MoreAn outsider’s look at Scotland’s capital
Chiang Yee offers an insightful and refreshing view on the capital in The Silent Traveller in Edinburgh. Refusing to let the unpredictable Scottish weather hinder his expeditions, Chiang Yee always finds beauty in the dreariest of rainstorms. He employs the technique of defamiliarisation, opening his readers’ eyes to alternative perspectives of the city through astute…
Read MoreThe ideal book for the fisherman in your life
Reflections on the Loch is a wonderful hardback book, to warm the heart of any trout angler, and a perfect Christmas present. The widely-travelled Orcadian writes with passion, knowledge and experience, and is highly informative yet never dull. Not afraid to tackle issues, he is also very specific, giving tips on how to fish specific…
Read MoreFormer policeman uses his eye to write new novel
Peter Ritchie uses his past experience gained from a career as a senior police officer to write this crime fiction novel with astonishing authenticity and intrigue. The book has such character and charm that it makes the life of crime seem almost appealing, if it weren’t for the violence, illegality and constant paranoia that accompanies…
Read MoreA celebration of Stornoway in poetry
SY Story: A Portrait of Stornoway Harbour is a stunning poetry collection which explores the history of Stornoway from the Mesolithic time to its present-day life as bustling modern habour. Donald S Murray successfully brings to life the town’s triumphs and tragedies, which includes the sinking of the Iolaire and the departure of the Metagama…
Read MoreThe mystery and hunt for the fabled Blue Horse
Dark and atmospheric, this much-anticipated novel set in the art world tells the story of George Newhouse who is a newly appointed art curator at the Public Gallery in Edinburgh. His obsessive search for a missing Dutch masterpiece, the titular Blue Horse, leads him from Edinburgh to London, Venice and New York. The painting’s provenance…
Read MoreThe ideal guide to the Fair City of Perth
Perth: A Comprehensive Guide is a full and complete historical guide to the Fair City. There is arguably nobody more qualified to write about its development through history than Hulbert, having successfully campaigned for and won city status for Perth in 2011. Each area of the city is closely examined and his deep passion for…
Read MoreThe Scottish history of Game of Thrones
Setting out to show that Game of Thrones is rooted in Scottish history, David C Weinczok draws parallels between the history of this country and that of Westeros. This book helps a fantastical world become even more of a reality. It shows how Moat Cailin is inspired by Stirling Castle, and The Wall by Hadrian’s…
Read MoreNovel focuses on issues affecting our former soldiers
R L McKinney’s debut novel follows Sean, a British soldier who has returned from Afghanistan after his best friend, Mitch, in an act of heroism saved his life but lost his own. With Mitch talking to Sean from beyond the grave, Sean begins to question his own sanity and finds the only place he fits…
Read MoreThe man who saved the army – without holding rank
Sir John Pringle saved the lives of countless soldiers without ever commanding a battalion. This well researched book by a fellow physician tells the story of how his changes to hospital management, discipline and hygiene successfully reduced the numbers of deaths from diseases such as typhus and dysentry amongst the troops. Saving The Army: The…
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