The name’s Heughan, Sam Heughan, in our new podcast

Scottish Field talks Bond, James Bond, with actor Sam Heughan in this week’s podcast. We present the final excerpt from Rosie Morton’s exclusive chat with the Outlander star, which is in our May 2021 edition which is still in shops and available to buy digitally online. Sam has been tipped to take over the dinner…

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Hearts that vie for the hearts and soul of Scotland

In the last instalment of a weighty trilogy that attempts to give John Knox a Hilary Mantel-style makeover, we see the Protestant firebrand return to a Scotland that in 1559 was on the brink of civil war. Back in Edinburgh, Knox immediately does battle with Mary, Queen of Scots, who is seeking to claim the…

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The story of the woman behind Peter Rabbit

The story of the creator of Peter Rabbit is an interesting one that says much about the unquenchable creative spirit of a sad little girl who, in the absence of anyone else to educate her, did it herself. Cohen’s book examines Potter’s summers, which were spent on the Dalguise Estate near Dunkeld, where she developed…

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Weaving fact and fiction to create a thrilling read

Delving more into historical fiction, The King’s Beast: A Mystery of the American Revolution weaves facts and fiction seamlessly. We journey across the Atlantic with Duncan McCallum as he is tasked with retrieving and protecting ancient bones unearthed in America, while mystery and murder ensue all round him. Beautifully immersive, Eliot Pattison has a way…

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Celebrating love and friendship in poetic verse

Alexander McCall devoted a recent column in Scottish Field to to the joys of poetry (especially Auden, who he reveres). This collection, which examines the themes of friendship and love, is a joyous affirmation of his infatuation with the form. Delivered in his trademark genial, conversational style, this accessible and highly enjoyable collection is divided…

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The martyrs who brought Christianity to the Scots

The latest offering from national treasure Alistair Moffat is a deeply lovely account of the ‘white martyrs’, the Irish priests who, at huge risk to themselves, brought Christianity to the pagan Scots. A beautifully written comfort blanket of a book, it is part travelogue, part rumination on life, part history lesson. Moffat spent a summer…

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A third celebration of powerful Scottish women

Mairi Kidd dedicates a third of her book to powerful Scottish women (the remainder to Irish and Welsh equivalents) whose tales have been overlooked or banished to the footnotes of historic literature. It is hard to look beyond the underlying politics of the narrative – with a strong focus on the fight for gender equality…

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A celebration and history of Scottish art and artists

Have you ever wondered about the backstory of James Guthrie’s ‘To Pastures New’ painting? Or indeed the tale of Henry Raeburn? Here to fill the art history void in our lives is Lachlan Goudie with this wonderful snapshot of Scottish art through the centuries – a comprehensive account of the nation’s creative history that caters…

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A special Scottish residents staycation offer 

Experience an unforgettable stay in the heart of Edinburgh and celebrate your first night away with this limited edition offer. Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian reopened on April 26 along with Peacock Alley Lounge for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, and Guerlain Spa & Health Club complete with two gyms, indoor pool, jacuzzi…

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A collection of the supernatural in Scotland

Assorted strange phenomena abound in Scotland – witches, wizards, fairies, sea monsters, yeti-type creatures, UFOs and a plethora of female spirits called glastigs and caoineags who appear in various forms.  A collection of ghostly hauntings, blood-chilling tales and strange phenomena abound in Scotland are gathered together in a new book, Paranormal Scotland, by Gilly Pickup.…

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