Posts Tagged ‘review’
The general who led an incredibly military career
General Sir Ralph Abercromby led an extraordinary life – he twice served as an MP, was appointed governor of Trinidad, Commander-in-Chief of Ireland. He was highly respected by his troops and this in-depth, absorbing read covers the French Revolutionary Wars, a critical time in Europe’s tumultuous political history. Though it requires intense concentration, and with…
Read MoreCrime writer celebrates Scottish landscapes
Ordinarily known for her best-selling crime writing, Val McDermid has departed from her typical style, providing a unique take on the Scottish landscape. In My Scotland, she revisits the places she has known all her life, collating a lifetime of remarkable memories in one beautifully presented book. Relating tales in an eff ortless style, she…
Read MoreMonsters and more in a book for the wee ones
For a child, there’s nothing scarier than a story with monsters – but they always lose in the end. Lea Taylor has tapped into traditional Scots stories of our beasties, and written some new tales which will terrify and entertain children in equal measure. With stories like The Greedy Trows of Orkney and Kelpie Capers,…
Read MoreScotland’s Islands beautifully captured in print
Scotland’s incredible natural beauty is captured perfectly in the lavish Scotland’s Islands, which is so beautifully presented to the reader. The photography of island enthusiast Allan Wright is stunning and shows off places we may have visited, and indeed many places that most of us won’t have seen, capturing the soul of each area and…
Read MoreSome exciting adventures set in the 1930s
The Gamekeeper’s Son is a real boys’ own adventure book from the heart of 1930s Morayshire. This delightful set of mini stories recounts the upbringing of author Ron Stewart, the son of a gamekeeper, and his adventures with his father, friends and local wildlife. With short, episodic chapters, we get an often comic account of…
Read MoreThe Scottish connections of beloved writer
Beatrix Potter and Scotland is a written summary of talks given by the Beatrix Potter Society at their international study conference in June 2014. This book sets out to discuss the connection with one of Britain’s best-loved authors and Scotland. Rowena Godfrey sets the scene for the Potters’ Scottish holidays with ‘Visitors to Perthshire’; Emma…
Read MoreThe essential viewpoints to see in Scotland
More than simply a catalogue of view indicators (which identify surrounding features in the landscape), 349 Views of Scotland is a celebration of the breath-taking sights across the country. It also tells the inspiring story of those who sought to make them understood. Following in the footsteps of 1938 mountaineer Ben Humble, David Squires has…
Read MoreConservation at the heart of debut novel
Starting from humble beginnings on a typical gap year and fuelled by his growing passion for marine conservation, we follow Thomas Durant’s fascinating journey from student to marine activist in The Activist. Scottish author Alec Connon’s debut novel tells the tale of Durant’s decade-long involvement in animal rights activism, from his first tentative steps into…
Read MoreCelebrating Caithness in the eyes of a poet
Described as a poet’s journey to the far north of Scotland, The Province of the Cat explores the wilderness of Caithness through the eyes of poet and playwright George Gunn. Looking at its landscape, people, culture and history, as well as the myths, folklore and fusion of Norse and Gaelic cultures, Gunn describes the truly…
Read MoreA handy recipe book from the Young Farmers
The Young Farmers’ Cookbook marks the 75th anniversary of the organisation, and its success in bringing together young people interested in agriculture and the countryside across Scotland. The cookbook itself details a wide variety of the hearty and wholesome food one would expect from such an institution. Giving clear, no-nonsense instructions, this is perfect for those…
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