Posts Tagged ‘review’
How Mary, Queen of Scots, used fabrics in policitcs
Reading Embroidering Her Truth really was a pleasant surprise. In an age when textiles expressed power, Mary, Queen of Scots exploited their symbolism artfully. The most famous example was wearing red – the martyr’s colour – at her execution, but Hunter outlines the many subtle and not-so-subtle ways in which Mary used fabrics to her…
Read MoreAn academic read covering the Romans in Scotland
Think you know about the earliest Roman invasion in Caledonia? Think again. This mind-boggling study offers an alternative view on what happened in AD 83, presents new findings that are well-argued and researched, and calls into question popular historical beliefs about the Roman campaigns. Author Simon Forder also suggests a new location for the Battle…
Read MoreThe perfect guide to the outdoors – by an expert
Anna Fleming, a qualified mountain leader who has worked for the Cairngorms National Park Authority, leads the way on epic rock climbing adventures. She travels through the Peak District, Yorkshire, Cairngorms, Wales and beyond. Having gone from a novice to an expert rock-jock, Fleming shares the highest highs and lowest lows that each climb has…
Read MoreA celebration of a legendary Scots piper
I Piped, That She Might Dance follows the story of Angus MacKay of Raasay, a legendary piper and extraordinary exponent of Scottish music. In fact, he may have been one of the most significant Highland pipers in history, having published a collection of music that was used as the foundation for the Piobaireachd Society’s Collection.…
Read MoreThe 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 More