Book review – I Am The Walker

Scotland’s open spaces are at the heart of the new novel by J M Robson. The life of the friendless 20-year-old geek Billy Donaldson, tormented by an abusive alcoholic father, a loveless mother and a deep lack of self-confidence, takes an unexpected twist when he decides to set off for the great Scottish outdoors for…

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Book review – Great Angling Disasters

Funny stories, bizarre events and curious anecdotes come together in this rich collection of fishing tales edited by Tom Quinn. The product of research into more than a century of fishing writings, Great Angling Disasters highlights an amusing side of fishing that practitioners and non-fi shers alike can enjoy, although the latter group might find…

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Book review: The Battle of Killiecrankie 1689

While the Battle of Culloden is quite clearly ingrained in many minds, one of the first great battles in the quest for Scottish independence is not quite as well known, despite being the most dramatic episode of the Jacobite risings. Author Stuart Reid sheds light on the events of the violent Battle of Killiecrankie in…

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Lady Frances: Frances Balfour, Aristocrat, Suffragist

Joan B Huffman provides a compelling and meticulously-researched insight into one of the highest-ranking members of the British aristocracy to assume a leadership role in the women’s suffrage movement. The book depicts in rich detail the life of Lady Frances Balfour, a little-known character who did a lot for British women. With detailed accounts of…

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Death threats and abuse for country sports enthusiasts

Nearly two-thirds of country sports enthusiasts have received online bullying or harassment, according to a new Countryside Alliance survey. Extreme examples include poeple being threatened with death, had their addresses, pictures and car registration plates shared online, and had bad business reviews. As a result, the Alliance has become increasingly concerned over the last couple…

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Prestigious award won by a Scottish tourist attraction

A Scottish tourist attraction has been voted amongst the best 1% in the world – and it’s probably not the one you were expecting. Landmark Forest Adventure Park, located just outside Aviemore, has once again been named in the Top 1% of visitor attractions worldwide. The Scottish visitor attraction, which first opened its doors back…

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New record set for Laphroaig 1967 15 year old

A Laphroaig whisky fetched a record-breaking £61,000 when it went to at auction. A Samaroli classic – the Laphroaig 1967 15 year old Sherry Wood – has been purchased for a record-breaking hammer price in an online auction held by Whisky Auctioneer. This exclusive, rare and highly-regarded Laphroaig 1967 attracted a huge amount of interest…

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Book review: Spey Flies – How To Tie Them

Veteran fly fisherman and expert fly tier Bob Veverka offers perhaps the most extensive book yet on Spey flies. Putting all he’s learned down on paper, he includes how-to-cast guides complete with step-by-step photos and informative paragraphs on the different Spey patterns and colours. A must-have for any fly fishing enthusiast, the level of detail…

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Book review – 25 Years of the Ayrshire Road Run

What’s the story? Back in 1993, the Ayrshire Road Run was created as an adjunct to the established annual vintage rally organised by the Ayrshire Vintage Tractor & Machinery Club (AVT&MC). The idea was to promote the rally by running entered commercial vehicles around the major towns in Ayrshire. Over the following years the Road…

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Congratulations – Songwriter to the Stars

In this engrossing autobiography, Bill Martin, one of the most successful and prolific songwriters of the last few decades, tells not only the story of his Glasgow upbringing, but also some fascinating anecdotes from his long career in the music industry. Bill wrote several number one hits in the 1960s and 70s and received numerous recognitions…

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