THE BEST OF SCOTTISH BOOKS

Catherine Munro transforms her life when she moves to Shetland to study the hardy ponies who call this archipelago home. Over the course of her first year, she is welcomed into the rhythms and routines that characterise life at the edge of the world.

When faced with personal loss, Catherine finds comfort and connection in the shared lives of the people, animals and wild landscapes of Shetland. The Ponies at the Edge of the World is a heartfelt love letter to the beauty and resilience of these magical ponies and their native land. This is a stunning book on community, hope and finding home.

The bunker is designed to keep them all safe, but is it the place of greatest danger?

In the end, very few people made it to the bunker. Now they wait there for the outside world to heal. Wolfe is one of the lucky ones. She’s safe and employed as the bunker’s pharmacist, doling out medicine under the watchful eye of their increasingly erratic and paranoid leader.

But when the leader starts to ask things of Wolfe, favours she can hardly say no to, it seems her luck is running out. Forming an unlikely alliance with the young Doctor Stirling, her troubled assistant Levitt, and Canavan – a tattooed giant of a man who’s purpose in the bunker is a mystery – Wolfe must navigate the powder keg of life underground where one misstep will light the fuse. The walls that keep her safe also have her trapped.

A must-read queer love story for fans of Sex Education, written in verse by Dean Atta.

Fifteen-year-old Mack is a hopeless romantic – he blames the films he’s grown up watching. He has liked Karim for as long as he can remember, and is ecstatic when Karim becomes his boyfriend – it feels like love.

But when Mack’s dad gets a job on a film in Scotland, Mack has to move, and soon he discovers how painful love can be. It’s horrible being so far away from Karim, but the worst part is that Karim doesn’t make the effort to visit. Love shouldn’t be only on the weekends.

Then, when Mack meets actor Finlay on a film set, he experiences something powerful, a feeling like love at first sight. How long until he tells Karim – and when will his old life and new life collide?

A wild and gripping novel about one woman’s quest to reintroduce wolves to the Scottish Highlands at any cost

Inti Flynn arrives in the Scottish Highlands with fourteen grey wolves, a traumatised sister and fierce tenacity.

As a biologist, she knows the animals are the best hope for rewilding the ruined landscape and she cares little for local opposition. As a sister, she hopes the remote project will offer her twin, Aggie, a chance to heal after the horrific events that drove them both out of Alaska.

But violence dogs their footsteps and one night Inti stumbles over the body of a farmer. Unable to accept that her wolves could be responsible, she makes a reckless decision to protect them. But if the wolves didn’t make the kill, then who did? And can she trust the man she is beginning to love when he becomes the main suspect?

Propulsive and unforgettable, Once There Were Wolves is the spellbinding story of a woman desperate to save her family, the wild animals and the natural world she loves, at any cost.

This extensive collection of Scots nursery rhymes and lullabies ranges from ancient to the modern day. They are sorted by suitable age ranges, and contextualising notes and word definitions are added when necessary. Contains black and white illustrations throughout by highly regarded artist Bob Dewar.

This book has been commissioned to mark the 60th anniversary of the closure of Glasgow’s remarkable tram system, when over 250,000 people lined the city streets on 4 September 1962 to watch a final procession of some 20 trams representing different periods in the history of the undertaking. Using a wealth of previously unpublished photographs, the book shows as many areas and aspects of the city as possible. The trams are once again back where they belong, right in the heart of the city and its suburbs with people, period buses, cars and lorries, shops, churches, theatres, cinemas, parks, shipyards, factories and even steam and electric locos running on the tram tracks. Furthermore, the coverage goes way beyond the city boundary to encompass Airdrie, Coatbridge, Cambuslang, Rutherglen, Barrhead, Paisley, Renfrew, Clydebank and Milngavie. Over the years many locations have changed beyond recognition whilst others remain instantly recognisable. There are scores of photographs of the long-lasting Standards (some even in Glasgow’s legendary coloured route bands), trams acquired from Paisley including those cut down to single-deckers, Kilmarnock bogies, modern Coronations and Cunarders, ex-Liverpool cars, one-offs and also works cars. For those who still remember the trams, we hope you enjoy looking back as much as we have and for those who have no memory of wires and rails in the street, we hope this will recapture a lost way of life when services were frequent and fares relatively inexpensive.

‘Hugely enjoyable’Ambrose Parry’Dazzling, original and full of wonderful characters’Katie Fforde’Seductive and sensual’Essie Fox’Historical fiction at its best’Frances Quinn***Could one rare plant hold the key to a thousand riches?It’s the summer of 1822 and Edinburgh is abuzz with rumours of King George IV’s impending visit. In botanical circles, however, a different kind of excitement has gripped the city. In the newly-installed Botanic Garden, the Agave Americana plant looks set to flower – an event that only occurs once every few decades.When newly widowed Elizabeth arrives in Edinburgh to live with her late husband’s aunt Clementina, she’s determined to put her unhappy past in London behind her. As she settles into her new home, she becomes fascinated by the beautiful Botanic Garden which borders the grand house and offers her services as an artist to record the rare plant’s impending bloom. In this pursuit, she meets Belle Brodie, a vivacious young woman with a passion for botany and the lucrative, dark art of perfume creation.Belle is determined to keep both her real identity and the reason for her interest the Garden secret from her new friend.But as Elizabeth and Belle are about to discover, secrets don’t last long in this Enlightenment city. And when revealed, they can carry the greatest of consequences . . .***’Perfectly paced, romantic and full of intrigue. A truly wonderful story’ Victoria Hawthorne’Evocative and sumptuously imagined. Not since Perfume has a book had such a strong sensory impact on me. A feast for the senses… I was intoxicated! Dazzling’ Celia Reynolds’There’s no enlightenment without enlightening women, and Sara Sheridan gives us two great ones to reckon with in Belle and Elizabeth. The Fair Botanists gives us a glimpse into the complex life of 1820s Edinburgh with joyous female characters at the heart of the story’ Annie Garthwaite’Sprinkled with deliciously tantalising scandal and intrigue, and colourful, engaging characters. A sheer joy to read’ Sue Lawrence

A disturbing hanging with a backstory of secrets and shaming highlights some outdated attitudes within Aberdeen’s finest.After past skirmishes with the police, local PI Maggie Laird is determined to steer clear, but her partner, Wilma Harcus, goes rogue. Not only does she have leads up her sleeve, but she has grandiose ideas to expand their PI agency into the realm of romance fraud and cybercrime. Then, troubled schoolchild Frankie Bain goes missing.As the clock runs down, the two investigations collide. Was the hanging the last, desperate act of a tortured mind or a calculated murder? And will Frankie Bain be found alive?In this fifth Harcus and Laird novel, Claire MacLeary fashions a fast-paced, fresh and topical new adventure for her inimitable PI partnership.

Despite efforts to create a safe environment to see out the pandemic, the residents of the Last Ditch Motel face more dangers than they imagined possible in this hilarious yet claustrophobic mystery.March 2020 and Operation Cocker is a go! The owners of the Last Ditch Motel, with a little help from their friend Lexy Campbell, are preparing to support one another through the oncoming lockdown, offering the motel’s spare rooms to a select few from the local area in need of sanctuary.While the newbies are settling in, an ambiguous banner appears demanding one of them return home. But who is it for? Lexy and her friends put a plan into action to ward off the perpetrator, but the very next night, a resident disappears and a message scrawled in human blood is found.As California shuts down, the Last Ditchers make another gruesome discovery. They tried to create a haven but now it seems as if everyone’s in danger. Is the motel under attack from someone on the outside? Scary as that is, the alternative is worse by far.

The Problem Solving Pack supports teachers in developing children’s problem solving skills within the 1st level numeracy and mathematics Curriculum for Excellence. It is a flexible resource which can be used to teach problem solving strategies and provides a ready-made bank of rich problem solving activities for children working within 1st level.Each photocopiable Problem Solving Pack contains:* Comprehensive introduction* Problem solving and reasoning teaching strategies* Bank of problem solving activities* Answers and marking guidance* Resource sheets (online)This Problem Solving Pack:* Is written to the Scottish curriculum and linked to benchmarks* Focuses on the development of the skills rather than teaching the content* Gives teachers the tools to teach problem solving skills to their children* Supports the mastery approach to have all children working on the same topic at the same time* Allows flexibility for children working at different levels within a topic, by providing support and extension options where required* Can be used independently or as part of the Primary Maths for Scotland programme

The Problem Solving Pack supports teachers in developing children’s problem solving skills within the early level numeracy and mathematics Curriculum for Excellence. It is a flexible resource which can be used to teach problem solving strategies and provides a bank of rich problem solving activities for children working within early level.Each photocopiable Problem Solving Pack contains:* Comprehensive introduction* Problem solving and reasoning teaching strategies* Bank of problem solving activities* Answers and marking guidance* Resource sheets (online)This Problem Solving Pack:* Is written to the Scottish curriculum and linked to benchmarks* Focuses on the development of the skills rather than teaching the content* Gives teachers the tools to teach problem solving skills to their children* Supports the mastery approach to have all children working on the same topic at the same time* Allows flexibility for children working at different levels within a topic, by providing support and extension options where required* Can be used independently or as part of the Primary Maths for Scotland programme

Queer people have always played Dungeons & Dragons, but since the mid-2010s, the queer dice-rolling magic- and might-wielding contingent have been taking up more space. They Came to Slay investigates just how the game became such a powerful mechanic for queer people to examine, explore, and come to terms with who they are, and how they want to lead their lives in real and imagined worlds alike.

A failing artist turned forger, an architectural masterpiece hidden behind high walls, an impish vagabond, and some very resourceful, very intimidating twins-Forgery pays homage to greats like Juan Rulfo and Luis Barragan, traversing late 20th Century Guadalajara with the exuberance and eccentricity of an 18th Century picaresque.

A failing artist turned forger, an architectural masterpiece hidden behind high walls, an impish vagabond, and some very resourceful, very intimidating twins-Forgery pays homage to greats like Juan Rulfo and Luis Barragan, traversing late 20th Century Guadalajara with the exuberance and eccentricity of an 18th Century picaresque.

Emil Bock lectured widely on Rudolf Steiner after the Second World War, and during the course of his research he uncovered many previously unknown aspects of Steiner’s life. The Life and Times of Rudolf Steiner brings together the two volumes of this insightful work, which were previously available separately, in one comprehensive book.Part one introduces the great range of people who surrounded and influenced Steiner. Bock tracked down the mysterious ‘Felix the herb gatherer’, from Steiner’s youth, and describes the Viennese social circles and coffee houses frequented by Steiner in his student days. He also details Steiner’s meeting with Friedrich Nietzsche, and the various literary, artistic and eccentric people from Steiner’s time in Berlin.Part two reveals some of the themes and ideas in Steiner’s work – the early years of Jesus, the Christmas festival and the break from the Theosophical Society to the Anthroposophical Society – as well as exploring the nature of destiny. Bock also examines the circle of people around Steiner at this time and, using Steiner’s ideas on karma and reincarnation, draws interesting parallels with Rome, Byzantium, Ephesus and the Grail Castle.

An engaging and authoritative history of Scotland’s influence in the world and the world’s on Scotland, from the Thirty Years War to the present dayScotland is one of the oldest nations in the world, yet by some it is hardly counted as a nation at all. Neither a colony of England nor a fully equal partner in the British union, Scotland’s history has often been seen as simply a component part of British history. But the story of Scotland is one of innovation, exploration, resistance-and global consequence.In this wide-ranging, deeply researched account, Murray Pittock examines the place of Scotland in the world. Pittock explores Scotland and Empire, the rise of nationalism, and the pressures on the country from an increasingly monolithic understanding of “Britishness.” From the Thirty Years’ War to Jacobite risings and today’s ongoing independence debates, Scotland and its diaspora have undergone profound changes. This ground-breaking account reveals the diversity of Scotland’s history and shows how, after the country disappeared from the map as an independent state, it continued to build a global brand.

Practical travel guide to Scotland with a free eBook featuring points-of-interest structured lists of all sights and off-the-beaten-track treasures, with detailed colour-coded maps, practical details about what to see and to do in Scotland, how to get there and around, pre-departure information, as well as top time-saving tips, like a visual list of things not to miss in Scotland, expert author picks and itineraries to help you plan your trip.The Rough Guide to Scotland covers: Edinburgh and the Lothians, The Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Ayrshire and Arran, Glasgow and the Clyde, Argyll and Bute, Stirling, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Fife, Perthshire, Northeast Scotland, The Great Glen and River Spey, The north and northwest Highlands, Skye and the Small Isles, The Western Isles, Orkney and ShetlandInside this travel guide you’ll find:RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELLERExperiences selected for every kind of trip to Scotland, from off-the-beaten-track adventures in Edinburgh to family activities in child-friendly places, like Caledonian Forest or chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas, like Orkney.PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPSEssential pre-departure information including Scotland entry requirements, getting around, health information, travelling with children, sports and outdoor activities, food and drink, festivals, culture and etiquette, shopping, tips for travellers with disabilities and more.TIME-SAVING ITINERARIESCarefully planned routes covering the best of Scotland give a taste of the richness and diversity of the destination, and have been created for different time frames or types of trip.DETAILED REGIONAL COVERAGEClear structure within each sightseeing chapter includes regional highlights, brief history, detailed sights and places ordered geographically, recommended restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs and major shops or entertainment options.INSIGHTS INTO GETTING AROUND LIKE A LOCALTips on how to beat the crowds, save time and money and find the best local spots for walking spots, top museums and historic castles.HIGHLIGHTS OF THINGS NOT TO MISSRough Guides’ rundown of The Western Isles, Northeast Scotland and Shetland’s best sights and top experiences help to make the most of each trip to Scotland, even in a short time.HONEST AND INDEPENDENT REVIEWS:Written by Rough Guides’ expert authors with a trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, to help to find the best places in Scotland, matching different needs.BACKGROUND INFORMATIONComprehensive ‘Contexts’ chapter features fascinating insights into Scotland, with coverage of history, religion, ethnic groups, environment, wildlife and books, plus a handy language section and glossary.FABULOUS FULL COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHYFeatures inspirational colour photography, including the stunning Loch Ness and the spectacular Cuillin Range.COLOUR-CODED MAPPINGPractical full-colour maps, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys for quick orientation in Glasgow, Aberdeen and many more locations in Scotland, reduce need to go online.USER-FRIENDLY LAYOUTWith helpful icons, and organised by neighbourhood to help you pick the best spots to spend your time.FREE EBOOKFree eBook download with every purchase of a printed book allows you to access all of the content from your phone or tablet, for on-the-road exploration.

This pocket-sized guide is a convenient, quick-reference companion to discovering what to do, what to see and how to get around Edinburgh. It covers top attractions like Arthur’s Seat, Scottish National Gallery and Castle Hill, as well as hidden gems, including the Museum of Childhood and Gladstone’s Land. This will save you time, and enhance your exploration of this fascinating city.This Mini Rough Guide to Edinburgh covers: The Old Town, The New Town, Edinburgh’s villages and ExcursionsIn this travel guide you will find:RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELLERExperiences selected for every kind of trip to Edinburgh, from cultural explorations in the New Town to family activities in child-friendly places, like Edinburgh Castle or or chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas, like the Royal Mile.TOP TEN ATTRACTIONSCovers the destination’s top ten attractions not to miss, including Holyrood House, Edinburgh Festival and The Old Town and a Perfect Day itinerary suggestionsCOMPACT FORMATCompact, concise, and packed with essential information, with a sharp design and colour-coded sections, this is the perfect on-the-move companion when you’re exploring EdinburghHISTORICAL AND CULTURAL INSIGHTSIncludes an insightful overview of landscape, history and cultureWHAT TO DODetailed description of entertainment, shopping, nightlife, festivals and events, and children’s activitiesPRACTICAL MAPSHandy colour maps on the inside cover flaps will help you find your way aroundPRACTICAL TRAVEL INFORMATIONPractical information on Eating Out, including a handy glossary and detailed restaurant listings, as well as a comprehensive A-Z of travel tips on everything from getting around to health and tourist information.STRIKING PICTURESInspirational colour photography throughout

Apostasy is a remarkable new collection of fourteen poems by John Burnside, one of the UK’s foremost poets.A child struggles to reconcile a received Catholic world-view with a more instinctive and passionate paganism. A deep connection with the natural world offers an imaginative and spiritual freedom.

Angus is a landscape of dramatic glens and rich farmland, ancient weaving towns and fishing villages, from the city of Dundee in the lee of the Sidlaw hills in the south, and the Grampian mountains in the north. The tales of Angus are as varied as the landscapes they are tied to, told through the years in castles, bothies, tenements and Travellers’ tents. Here, historical legends tell of Caterans roaming the glens, Jacobite intrigue in Glenisla and pirates roving the stormy waters off the Arbroath coast. Kelpies, broonies and fairies lurk just out of sight on riverbanks and hillsides, waiting to draw unsuspecting travellers into another world. The land bears memories of ancient battles, and ghosts continue to walk the old roads in the gloaming. In this collection, storyteller and local historian Erin Farley brings you a wealth of legends and folk tales, both familiar and surprising.