Posts Tagged ‘review’
The history of the Scottish National War Memorial
This poignant account of the building of the Scottish National War Memorial is a must-read. Author Duncan Macmillan recounts the history of one of the most ambitious and successful public works of its time. First mooted in 1917, The Scottish National War Memorial was opened by Edward, Prince of Wales, on 14th July 1927. Paid…
Read MoreKeeping Scots fairytales alive for children
The Dragon Stoorworm is a traditional Scottish tale beautifully retold for younger readers. We learn that the Dragon Stoorworm was the very first, very worst dragon that ever lived. It was ginormous: almost as big as the whole of Scotland! The King of Scotland called for warriors to defeat the terrible dragon and save his…
Read MoreAn on the ball guide to Scots sporting buildings
This is celebration of Scotland’s stunning sporting architecture, from Celtic Park to Ayr Ice Rink. Some of the nation’s earliest sporting buildings are associated with grand properties and estates. A strong link existed between the nobility and the development of recreational pursuits – going all the way back to Scotland’s oldest remaining sporting structure, the…
Read MoreThe most ship-shape cookbook of all time
I always pictured food served aboard our mariners and matelots to be a school canteen situation with wrinkled sausages and dry mash. I’m thankful to be proven wrong by this toothsome cookbook. Chefs at sea may not have access to all the ingredients, but those at home can support a good cause, benefit from the…
Read MoreThe real-life adventures of presenter Simon Reeve
In Journeys to Impossible Places, best-selling author and presenter Simon Reeve reveals the inside story of his most astonishing adventures and experiences, around the planet and close to home. It continues the story Simon started in his bestseller Step by Step, which traced the first decades of his life from depressed and unemployed teenager through to…
Read MoreFrom Sheffield with love to Scotland’s islands
Despite living in Sheffield, author Richard Clubley’s love for the Scottish islands brings him north several times a year. And in this book, he gives a passionate account of what makes these places so special and worth visiting. He meets locals and learns a few realities of island life. He almost perished on Ailsa Craig,…
Read MoreCelebrating the best spots for wild swimming
Swimmers of all backgrounds share their experiences and recommendations amongst the seas, burns, rivers and over 30,000 lochs in Scotland. A guide that not only shows you the best spots to sink into but also the tips, safety, etiquette and responsibility that should come hand-in-hand with wild swimming. A great gift for those bobble-hat-wearing swimmers…
Read MoreA look at Scotland’s work on nature restoration
A new report examines what lessons can be learned from large-scale nature restoration and rewilding projects in Scotland and beyond. With increased attention on these approaches as a solution to the twin crises of nature loss and climate change, the NatureScot report reviews 25 case studies from Scotland and further afield across Europe to highlight…
Read MoreA bygone Scotland captured in photography
This is a concise paperback edition of the bestselling Scottish photographic book. In the early 1960s, in the course of recording a Dunfermline mill building that was scheduled for demolition, RCAHMS surveyors discovered an incredible collection of over 800 glass plate negatives. Taken between 1880 and 1919, the photographs are a remarkable record of a…
Read MoreAn alternative look at Highland land reform
Prominent land reformer Jim Hunter has produced a compelling account of the modern-day Highlands. Here, there is a battle between environmentalists’ attempts to conserve the nature and landscapes, and the Highlanders themselves trying to preserve their way of life and their culture. This thought-provoking read considers both viewpoints: the Highlanders feel they have a better…
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