Posts Tagged ‘Literature’
The inspiration for Peter Pan to opens its doors
This Saturday sees the opening of Scotland’s latest international visitor attraction – Moat Brae house and garden, the new National Centre for Children’s Literature and Storytelling. The beautiful Georgian property in Dumfries, where the young J.M. Barrie and his friends played the games that inspired Peter Pan, was saved from demolition 10 years ago and…
Read MoreExtermination to germination for the jay
The naturalist Henry Williamson described the distinctive shrill call of the jay as like the sound of tearing linen. But this bird has a large repertoire of vocalisations and is one of the best mimics in the avian world, particularly adept at mimicking sheep, lambs and horses. Some become specialists; I once followed the sounds…
Read MoreMcIlvanney was the godfather of tartan noir
Long before Rankin or Welsh had ever picked up a pen, William McIlvanney had already created some of the most iconic hard men in Scottish literature. The writer, who died in December 2015, casts a shadow over the literary world in Scotland even today, and his memory lives on with a prize named after him…
Read MoreA history of Scotland is brought to book
Scotland: A history from the earliest times from popular historian Alistair Moffat presents the story of Scotland from the Ice Age right through to today. Moffat vividly brings the story of this extraordinary nation to life, from the dawn of prehistory right up to the momentous events of the 2014 independence referendum and subsequent general…
Read MoreThe talented Mr Crichton – and his sad demise
With a dazzling intellect that won him fame across Europe, coupled with brilliant dancing, riding and duelling skills, there was never a man better named than the Admirable Crichton. Life can be uneven in the gifts it distributes to people – as evidence of this, one need look no further than the case of James…
Read MoreA fascinating year as the ethical carnivore
Over the course of a year, former Scottish Field staff writer Louise Gray decides to only eat what she has killed, a task that sounds impossible but is achieved with a gritty determination. Gray faces a variety of challenges – like the fact she might not be a very good shot – and overcomes these…
Read MoreCentre of child literature and stories nears opening
Scotland’s new National Centre for Children’s Literature and Storytelling is welcoming new members of staff aboard ahead of preview activities in May and fully opening its doors on 1 June. Moat Brae, the beautiful Georgian house in Dumfries, is where JM Barrie played the games that inspired Peter Pan. It has been restored and transformed…
Read MoreTeenagers given a writing boost by Book Trust
The Scottish Book Trust has today announced the seven teenage writers and illustrators who will join the What’s Your Story? programme. Now in its fourth year, the scheme from the national charity – transforming lives through reading and writing – has so far assisted over 20 young people from across Scotland to develop writing, illustration…
Read MoreLifestyle buyers competing for rural properties
Property sales in Perthshire, Kinross-shire and Angus held strong at the end of last year, with lifestyle buyers driving competition for rural properties. The news comes from property consultancy Galbraith, which has published its latest report into the Perthshire market, covering the fourth quarter of 2018, ending 31 December. The total number of property sales completed…
Read MoreCelebrate poetry at Scotland’s international festival
Scotland’s International Poetry Festival is set for another outstanding year as event organisers prepares to welcome the world to Fife for a five-day celebration of all things poetical. The annual StAnza event, which takes place from 6 to 10 March, will bring dozens of poets from Scotland, the UK and overseas to St Andrews for…
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