Posts Tagged ‘review’
Scottish fable given new life in the 21st century
Originally a Scottish fable written in 1440 by Richard Holland, The Book of the Howlat is re-imagining of one of the poetic gems of medieval Scotland. It tells the moral story of being true to one’s own nature. Similar to the Ugly Duckling tale, this children’s book introduces the Howlat, a body-conscious young owl who…
Read MoreThe tragic story of a World War I Scots soldier
Two siblings made a fascinating discovery when they opened a chest in their mother’s loft, which they found to be full of an Edinburgh soldier’s writings from World War One. The chest, which had lain unopened for 100 years, contained diaries, letters and poetry from the late Hamish Mann’s time in the trenches. Robert and…
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 MoreScotland’s museum gems highlighted in book form
From Pictish Stones to Dolly the Sheep, this selection of over 100 items from the National Museum of Scotland is but a fraction of the veritable treasure trove it stores for the nation. Published to mark the 150th anniversary of the museum, the book roams through different departments such as Scottish history, archaeology, world cultures…
Read MoreAn insight into the lives of our working dogs
Given his 40 years of experience as a gamekeeper in Scotland, John Cowan is ideally placed to provide an informative account of the strengths and weaknesses of the different breeds of working dogs. He systematically describes their respective traits and passes on his extensive knowledge on how to train dogs for their working life on…
Read MorePicture perfect book that’s all write
Over thirty years on, photographer Angela Catlin has updated her first collection of striking black and white portraits of Scotland’s finest writers, each accompanied by examples of their work. Among the 49 snapped for posterity are writers Alasdair Gray, A L Kennedy, Ian Rankin, James Robertson and Ali Smith, poets Ron Butlin, Jen Hadfield and…
Read MoreA real treasure trove of holy hideaways
Dixe Wills’ latest quirky travel guide chronicles 60 of Britain’s smallest churches. One chapel halfway down a remote Pembrokeshire cliff is so tiny that the congregation has to sit outside for the annual service. Scottish gems include the frescoed apse in Hoselaw Chapel, Croick Church in Ardgay with its moving messages scratched on the windows…
Read MoreThe struggles of young woman in 1990s Glasgow
Walking the Lights is a finely crafted and captivating story of a young actress’ self-discovery and her struggles with the damaging temptations of young adulthood. After becoming distanced from her mother and idle boyfriend, Maddie is hanging onto a bohemian life consumed by excessive drink and drugs despite their paltry funds. This is an insightful…
Read MoreThe story of Gigha – from pre-historic until today
Just off the Kintyre peninsula lies the small island of Gigha, the most southerly Hebridean isle. Due to a mild climate, fertile land and an advantageous geographical location, Gigha harbours an interesting history. This book takes the reader on a journey of the inhabitants of the island, starting from the settlers of pre-historic times to…
Read MoreDelving into Scotland’s proud history of textiles
Warm Covers sees Janet Rae delve into the story of Scotland’s once thriving textile industry, when the production of cotton and wool were at the forefront. Exploring the multiple themes such as the effect of dyes and the progression of needlework education, Warm Covers also comments on various individuals who significantly contributed to the advancement…
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