Posts Tagged ‘book’
Another success for Alexander McCall Smith
Alexander McCall Smith, the most prolific British author since Barbara Cartland (who penned 720 novels), returns to his hugely popular 44 Scotland Street series. This is the fourteenth novel set in Edinburgh’s most famous fictional location. With its vividly surreal cast of outlandish characters – including ‘aphorism-coining socialite nun’ Sister Maria, and ‘chino-wearing narcissist’ Bruce…
Read MoreMacCloud falls is an absorbing and pleasant read
Scottish antiquarian Gilbert travels to British Columbia to research an early settler he believes may have been his runaway grandfather. Here, he strikes up an unexpected connection with a woman he meets on the plane. Beautifully descriptive and almost lyrical in parts, I was transfixed by the vibrant scenery. If you like short, punchy chapters…
Read MoreTea set made to welcome Queen Victoria goes to auction
An extensive porcelain breakfast service made to welcome Queen Victoria and Prince Albert on their first visit to Scotland in 1842 comes for sale at auction house Lyon & Turnbull this week. The historic Worcester service of more than 280 pieces, each painted with sprigs of heather and the family coronet, is among 43 lots…
Read MoreThe incredible life of Scottish icon Stanley Baxter
This authorised biography has generated headlines because in it 95-year-old Stanley Baxter comes out as gay, yet there is so much more to this account of the actor’s life than that revelation. This jauntily-written book is a veritable treasure trove of anecdotes that shine a light on one of Scotland’s most beloved, yet most enigmatic,…
Read MoreIt’s a dog’s life with internet sensation Labradors
The moment this book, Olive, Mabel & Me: Life and Adventures with Two Very Good Dogs landed on the desk, there were gasps of excitement. Written by one of the most recognisable voices in sports broadcasting, Andrew Cotter tells of his adventures with his two faithful Labradors, Olive and Mabel, who became internet sensations during…
Read MoreReconnect this summer at the Balmoral Hotel
The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel in Edinburgh, has announced the Summer of Love – a new programme of experiences available from May 17 to help guests reconnect with friends, fall in love with Edinburgh and discover world-class hospitality. The Balmoral’s ‘Summer of Love’ encourages locals and visitors alike to reignite their wanderlust and make…
Read MoreVikings, huge crustaceans and a helpful seagull
The basis of A Large Measure of Snow is that in December 1967, with all roads to the town of Kinloch cut off by snow, its fishing fleet sets off for Girvan in search of food. On board one boat, the Girl Maggie, is first mate Hamish, who has – to everyone’s amazement – been…
Read MoreThe fascinating story of one Scottish river’s song
If Rivers Could Sing, a delightful little book, is subtitled ‘A year in the life of the River Devon as it passes through the counties of Perthshire, Kinross-shire and Clackmannanshire’. It and covers the 33 miles between the river’s origins at 1,800ft above sea level in the Ochil Hills before running in a U-shape through…
Read MoreThe autobiography of a true Scottish rugby great
Ken Scotland, a fullback for Heriot’s, Cambridge University, Scotland and the British & Irish Lions in the fifties and sixties, was one of the finest players this country has ever produced. An exponent of running rugby and an outstanding sportsman (he also played cricket for Scotland), celebrated Lions skipper Tom Kiernan reckoned he was the…
Read MoreAye Write announces its full cast for digital book festival
The Aye Write book festival has announced its full programme of online events featuring 140 authors from Scotland and around the world, over two weekends this month. Taking place from 14 May to 16 May and 21 May to 23 May, Aye Write is Glasgow’s Book Festival and is produced by Glasgow Life, the charity…
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