Reviews
Intense decisions to be made on a Scots isle
This diary-style account follows a recently widowed artist, Lenka Majewska, and a historian, Ella Collingwood, who have just arrived in the village of Balvaig, on the Scottish Isle of Soma. In what first seemed a haven of tranquillity the characters soon have intense decisions to make for their future. The second volume of the Balvaig…
Read MoreWhen a couple’s lives go their Separate Ways
Inverness-shire-based author Ryan Coull takes us on a long, emotional journey along with Dottie Hawthorn, a popular schoolteacher whose marriage is on the brink of collapse. With her irresponsible husband Billy intimidating her and causing her pain, she only has one option – leave him and move on. However, Billy is determined to make her…
Read MoreThe story of a family’s move to Scotland from Sri Lanka
The Land of Lost Content is a personal account of Sureshini Sanders’ life. It details her triumphs and struggles as her family came to Scotland to start a new life, escaping the civil war in Sri Lanka. This true story explores love of country and people as, amid heart-rending stories, Sanders talks about the cultural…
Read MoreThe Corries’ Ronnie Brown – in his own words
From playing upstairs in bars to sell-out shows and stadium appearances, folk singer Ronnie Browne has more than one story to tell. One half of famous duo The Corries until the untimely death of his musical partner Roy Williamson in 1990, Ronnie has many stories to share about the behind-the-scenes graft and family life that…
Read MoreShort stories and varied lives in The Way Out
The Way Out is a compilation of short stories depicting the dilemmas, desires and disappointments of men and women, young and old. Vicki Jarrett explores these people’s lives and their trials and tribulations in relationships, the economy and society. The Way Out is an impressive assemblage of heart-warming yet chilling cases, brimming with stark truths…
Read MoreThe perfect boots for riding, stable work and walks
Scottish Field tries and tests the Ariat Torridon GTX Boots. What is it: Ariat Torridon GTX Boots, RRP £330. www.ariat.com I want them because: I want my feet to be comfortable but protected while at the stables or out with the dogs. These boots are sturdy enough to take me over rough terrain with their…
Read MoreDanger and excitement with Darke matter
Action-packed and thrilling, Darke Mission follows JJ Drake, a former MI5 spy, lone parent and now apparently head-down worker in the finance sector. Caladon’s contemporary scenes are set in several places – London, Scotland and North Korea. With the British government at the brink of bankruptcy, the ex-spy is forced to lead an audacious heist…
Read MoreA fun guide to Dundee exploring hidden treasures
Dundee: A Very Peculiar History is an illustrated pocket-sized guide to the hidden treasures of Dundee, Scotland’s fourth largest city. It takes a light-hearted approach but does not avoid need-to-know matters – with fact boxes, glossaries, drawings and colour gatefolds throughout. A fun and informative production, good as a gift or a handy practical helper.…
Read MoreSaving 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…
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