THE BEST OF SCOTTISH BOOKS

The Problem Solving Pack supports teachers in developing children’s problem solving skills within the 2nd 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 2nd 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.

As the house burns, the hunt for a killer begins…DI Eve Hunter and her team are called to the scene of a fire that has destroyed a home for underprivileged children in Aberdeen. No-one knows how the blaze started; all they know is that one person didn’t make it out in time.Her team have dealt with their fair share of tragedies but this case affects them each deeply – particularly when they start to suspect that everyone at the home, from the residents to the staff, has something to hide. And when a horrific discovery is unearthed in the ruins of the property, the team must ask themselves – did someone have a secret worth killing for?______________________________________’Pacy, intelligent and so so satisfying. Another brilliant outing for Eve Hunter who is fast becoming my favourite detective. I can’t get enough of Deborah Masson’s writing.’ Marion Todd’From The Ashes is a tense and intriguing mystery, expertly delving into the darker side of the Granite City, hooked from from the first page and kept me guessing to the very end!’ G. R. Halliday, author of From The Shadows

‘A tale I have for you.’Embra, winter of 1574. Queen Mary has fled Scotland, to raise an army from the French. Her son and heir, Jamie is held under protection in Stirling Castle. John Knox is dead. The people are unmoored and lurching under the uncertain governance of this riven land. It’s a deadly time for young student Will Fowler, short of stature, low of birth but mightily ambitious, to make his name.Fowler has found himself where the scorch marks of the martyrs burned at the stake can be seen on every street, where differences in doctrine can prove fatal, where the feuds of great families pull innocents into their bloody realm. There he befriends the austere stick-wielding philosopher Tom Nicolson, son of a fishing family whose sister Rose, untutored, brilliant and exceedingly beautiful exhibits a free-thinking mind that can only bring danger upon her and her admirers.The lowly students are adept at attracting the attentions of the rich and powerful, not least Walter Scott, brave and ruthless heir to Branxholm and Buccleuch, who is set on exploiting the civil wars to further his political and dynastic ambitions. His friendship and patronage will lead Will to the to the very centre of a conspiracy that will determine who will take Scotland’s crown.Rose Nicolson is a vivid, passionate and unforgettable novel of this most dramatic period of Scotland’s history, told by a character whose rise mirrors the conflicts he narrates, the battles between faith and reason, love and friendship, self-interest and loyalty. It confirms Andrew Greig as one of the great contemporary writers of fiction.

Syllabus: CfE (Curriculum for Excellence, from Education Scotland) and SQALevel: BGE S1-3: Fourth LevelSubject: Mathematics & NumeracyAim high and build confidence with this rigorous approach. Pupils are guided through mathematical concepts with worked examples, plenty of practice and opportunities to check that skills are secure before moving on.Covering all CfE Fourth Level Benchmarks (with bridging material to prepare for N5), this ready-made and differentiated course puts progression for every pupil at the heart of your curriculum.> Make new learning manageable: Each concept is introduced through step-by-step explanations and progressive worked examples, with proven methods for mastering difficult concepts> Apply knowledge and practise skills: Pupils are encouraged to test and explore their understanding of new concepts by completing exercises that gradually build in difficulty – with answers provided at the back of the book> Lay firm foundations for National qualifications: Key skills required for N5 Maths are covered in greater depth within the context of Fourth Level topics, giving pupils and teachers a head start in S4> Meet the needs of each pupil in your class: The explanations and activities are designed to ensure accessibility for those with low prior attainment, while coverage of higher order thinking skills will challenge and extend high achieving pupils> Effectively check and assess progress: ‘Check-up’ exercises at the end of each chapter consolidate learning and support formative assessment, helping you to monitor progression against the Experiences & Outcomes and Benchmarks> Deliver the ‘responsibility for all’ Es and Os: Plenty of activities that address literacy and health and wellbeing skills are threaded through the book

A witty and immersive look at the history, mythology, science, and magical touch that makes whisky taste like a drop of gold.Braving the “all boys” clubhouse of the world of whisky has not been easy, but Shelley Sackier has managed to do just that out of her love for the drink. By turns funny and poignant and filled with vivid insight into this ancient craft, Make it a Double will persuade even a teetotaler to want a wee dram.As a woman whose first sip of whisky created the female doppelganger of a Mr. Yuk sticker, that experience produced a sharp realization that the liquid was foul, poisonous, and needlessly dirtied a previously clean glass. And then she met Scotland. Her curiosity and growing passion lit a fire-igniting a desire to learn more about this craft’s rich and vivid history and the need to break out of an old life and to become the mother, partner, and woman she has always sought to be. After completing a course in Scotland’s famed Bruichladdich Distillery, Shelley begins her path of writing about-and working within-the world of whisky.There has never been a better time for Shelley’s inimitable voice to shed light on this intoxicating realm. Women are not only impressively contributing to the burgeoning sales of the spirit-making up nearly 40% of the whiskey-drinking population in the United States-but they are also growing in number as they enter in to, train within, and lead the industry with their determined creativity and innovation. In the tradition of Blood, Bones, and Butter, Make it a Double establishes Shelley Sackier as a fresh new voice in the lush world of culinary narrative.

Discover the secrets and surprises that the scenic Scottish town of Briar Glen has to offer…’A warm beautiful read’NetGalley Reviewer’A great story . . . a happy feel good read’NetGalley ReviewerThe brand new Scottish romance from the bestselling author of A Secret Scottish EscapeWhen wedding planner Sophie Harkness refuses to move a friend’s wedding to accommodate a spoilt bridezilla, she finds herself out of a job. That is until she discovers her late grandma has purchased a local shop for her in the pretty Scottish town of Briar Glen.Surprised and delighted, Sophie opens her own porcelain shop in honour of her grandmother. But when an unusual tea set is left with Sophie, along with a mysterious letter, she can’t help but be intrigued by the story behind the antique.And when the handsome but aloof art critic Xander North comes knocking on her door, Sophie is about to find out the true colourful past of her latest treasure.The perfect feel-good romance for fans of Jo Thomas, Katie Fforde and Trisha Ashley.NetGalley readers are falling for A Scottish Highland Surprise'[I] adored this feel good, fun, emotional and life affirming book”A great read… highly recommend”A great holiday read”Charming characters, mystery and romance”An easy and lovely read”Uplifting”Well written with a cute and funny storyline and well developed characters”Uplifting and enjoyable”This author is amazing, she knows how to get you hooked straight away”A great story and a perfect ending’

SHE NEVER CONFESSED. NOW SHE’S READY TO TALK.Twelve years ago DI Monica Kennedy caught the notorious serial killer Pauline Tosh, imprisoning her for life.When Tosh asks Monica to visit her at the remote Highlands Carselang prison, the detective thinks she’s playing games.But then Tosh hands her a hand-drawn map with a cross marking the desolate marsh lands near Inverness and Monica can’t ignore it – she was always convinced there were more victims out there.And when a body is discovered it looks like they’ve found a new name from Tosh’s kill list.But things are never that simple…

It’s Edinburgh Film Festival 2020 and critic Victor Eaves meets filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard in a novel blending mad vulgarity with slingshot satire. French Toast is a family farce and cinematic adventure starring a giant of the silver screen.

In his first full-length autobiography, comedy legend and national treasure Billy Connolly reveals the truth behind his windswept and interesting life.Born in a tenement flat in Glasgow in 1942, orphaned by the age of 4, and a survivor of appalling abuse at the hands of his own family, Billy’s life is a remarkable story of success against all the odds.Billy found his escape first as an apprentice welder in the shipyards of the River Clyde. Later he became a folk musician – a ‘rambling man’ – with a genuine talent for playing the banjo. But it was his ability to spin stories, tell jokes and hold an audience in the palm of his hand that truly set him apart.As a young comedian Billy broke all the rules. He was fearless and outspoken – willing to call out hypocrisy wherever he saw it. But his stand-up was full of warmth, humility and silliness too. His startling, hairy ‘glam-rock’ stage appearance – wearing leotards, scissor suits and banana boots – only added to his appeal.It was an appearance on Michael Parkinson’s chat show in 1975 – and one outrageous story in particular – that catapulted Billy from cult hero to national star. TV shows, documentaries, international fame and award-winning Hollywood movies followed. Billy’s pitch-perfect stand-up comedy kept coming too – for over 50 years, in fact – until a double diagnosis of cancer and Parkinson’s Disease brought his remarkable live performances to an end. Since then he has continued making TV shows, creating extraordinary drawings… and writing.Windswept and Interesting is Billy’s story in his own words. It is joyfully funny – stuffed full of hard-earned wisdom as well as countless digressions on fishing, farting and the joys of dancing naked. It is an unforgettable, life-affirming story of a true comedy legend.’I didn’t know I was Windswept and Interesting until somebody told me. It was a friend who was startlingly exotic himself. He’d just come back from Kashmir and was all billowy shirt and Indian beads. I had long hair and a beard and was swishing around in electric blue flairs.He said: “Look at you – all windswept and interesting!”I just said: “Exactly!”After that, I simply had to maintain my reputation…’

In this chillingly resonant dystopian adventure, two versions of America are locked in conflict. Invisible Sun concludes Charles Stross’s Empire Games trilogy.Two twinned worlds are facing attackThe New American Commonwealth is caught in a deadly arms race with the USA, its parallel-world rival. And the USA’s technology is decades ahead. Yet the Commonweath might self-combust first – for its leader has just died, leaving a crippling power vacuum. Minister Miriam Burgeson must face allegations of treason without his support, in a power grab by her oldest adversary.However, all factions soon confront a far greater danger . . . In their drive to explore other timelines, high-tech USA awakened an alien threat. This force destroyed humanity on one version of Earth. And if the two superpowers don’t take action, it will do the same to them.Invisible Sun follows Empire Games and Dark State. This trilogy is set in the same dangerous parallel world as Charles Stross’s Merchant Princes sequence.

Brought to you by Penguin.I had drifted, gotten lost, strayed from the paths and places I love. I felt Shetland calling me, and in this moment, I began my slow, imperfect journey towards finding home.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.’A meditation on connection between humans and animals, and the homes we make in wild places. I was completely immersed’ Katherine May, bestselling author of Wintering(c) Catherine Munro 2022 (P) Penguin Audio 2022

Lonely Planet’s Pocket Glasgow is your guide to the city’s best experiences and local life – neighbourhood by neighbourhood. Marvel at the Glasgow Cathedral, discover the Glasgow Science Centre and learn at the University of Glasgow; all with your trusted travel companion. Uncover the best of Glasgow and make the most of your trip!Inside Lonely Planet’s Pocket Glasgow:Up-to-date information – all businesses were rechecked before publication to ensure they are still open after 2020’s COVID-19 outbreakFull-colour maps and travel photography throughoutHighlights and itineraries help you tailor a trip to your personal needs and interestsInsider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spotsEssential info at your fingertips – hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, pricesHonest reviews for all budgets – eating, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks missUser-friendly layout with helpful icons, and organised by neighbourhood to help you pick the best spots to spend your timeCovers Central Glasgow, East End, Merchant City, Southside & the Clyde, West End and moreThe Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet’s Pocket Glasgow, an easy-to-use guide filled with top experiences – neighbourhood by neighbourhood – that literally fits in your pocket. Make the most of a quick trip to Glasgow with trusted travel advice to get you straight to the heart of the city.Looking for more extensive coverage? Check out Lonely Planet’s Scotland guide for a comprehensive look at all that Scotland has to offer.About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we’ve printed over 145 million guidebooks and phrasebooks for 120 languages, and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You’ll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, videos, 14 languages, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more, enabling you to explore every day.’Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.’ – New York Times’Lonely Planet. It’s on everyone’s bookshelves; it’s in every traveller’s hands. It’s on mobile phones. It’s on the Internet. It’s everywhere, and it’s telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.’ – Fairfax Media (Australia)

Volume two of Walking the Munros, this guidebook describes 70 challenging and inspiring routes up Scotland’s iconic 3000ft+ mountains within the Northern Highlands, the Cairngorms and the Isle of Skye. The routes, which range from 7 to 46km (with the option to reduce walking distance on some of the longer routes by cycling the approach), cover 143 Munro summits, offering half and full-day walk and scramble options.Clear and concise route descriptions are accompanied by 1:100K mapping, together with invaluable practical information on access, parking, accommodation and more. Also included are two handy indexes of the Munros – listed alphabetically and by height – a perfect resource for peak-baggers.This guide incorporates both popular and lesser-known routes, and celebrates the raw and rugged beauty of these majestic mountains.

Volume two of Walking the Munros, this guidebook describes 70 challenging and inspiring routes up Scotland’s iconic 3000ft+ mountains within the Northern Highlands, the Cairngorms and the Isle of Skye. The routes, which range from 7 to 46km (with the option to reduce walking distance on some of the longer routes by cycling the approach), cover 143 Munro summits, offering half and full-day walk and scramble options.Clear and concise route descriptions are accompanied by 1:100K mapping, together with invaluable practical information on access, parking, accommodation and more. Also included are two handy indexes of the Munros – listed alphabetically and by height – a perfect resource for peak-baggers.This guide incorporates both popular and lesser-known routes, and celebrates the raw and rugged beauty of these majestic mountains.

Brought to you by Penguin.SHE NEVER CONFESSED. NOW SHE’S READY TO TALK.Twelve years ago DI Monica Kennedy caught the notorious serial killer Pauline Tosh, imprisoning her for life.When Tosh asks Monica to visit her at the remote Highlands Carselang prison, the detective thinks she’s playing games.But then Tosh hands her a hand-drawn map with a cross marking the desolate marsh lands near Inverness and Monica can’t ignore it – she was always convinced there were more victims out there.And when a body is discovered it looks like they’ve found a new name from Tosh’s kill list.But things are never that simple…(c) G. R. Halliday 2022 (P) Penguin Audio 2022

James Kirker, “Indian fighter,” is among the most infamous characters of the American West. In his exhaustively researched biography, Ralph Adam Smith explores the controversy surrounding the life of this frontier figure. Kirker emigrated from Ireland to New York City in 1810. In the years that followed, he was a privateer (in the War of 1812), a British captive, a merchant, a mountain man, the head of a private army, and a dominant figure in New Mexico politics.When Apache and Comanche Indians from the United States began raiding frequently in northern Mexico, the Mexican government, in desperation, turned to bounty warfare, signing five contracts with “Don Santiago” Kirker to defend the borderland region. He became known throughout the West for his “effective and inexpensive” methods of killing Indians.

Clachtoll broch is one of the most spectacular Iron Age settlements on the northern mainland of Scotland. When it became clear that the structure was threatened by coastal erosion, community heritage group Historic Assynt launched a major programme of conservation and excavation works designed to secure the vulnerable structure and recover the archaeological evidence of its occupation and use. The resulting excavation provided evidence of a long and complex history of construction and rebuilding, with the final, middle Iron Age occupation phase ending in a catastrophic fire and collapse of the tower by the early years of the first century AD. The internal deposits span perhaps 50 years of the broch’s final occupation and were remarkably well preserved, with no evidence for secondary re-use or disturbance after the fire. As a result, the excavation provides a remarkable snapshot of life in Iron Age Scotland, with an artefact assemblage attesting to daily agricultural life as well as long-range contacts that sets the broch within a wider Atlantic community. Specialist analysis of the artefactual and palaeoenvironmental evidence coupled with detailed analysis of the structure in its local geographical context combine to provide a major new contribution to the archaeology of north-west Scotland, with wider implications for our understanding of late prehistoric society in northern Britain.This report comprises the results of the archaeological investigations at Clachtoll, compiled by a team of archaeologists and specialists from AOC Archaeology Group, and brings together evidence from a range of specialist analyses as well as environmental and landscape investigations.

It’s 1994, Kurt Cobain has just died, and teenager Alex is spending the summer working in her Aunt’s Bed and Breakfast in rural Argyll. The village pace of life is slow compared to home in Edinburgh and Alex resigns herself to a quiet summer spent serving breakfasts and making beds. Everything changes however once she meets the twin brothers who live next door.Spanning the next fifteen years of Alex’s life, Fade Into You is a love letter to growing up in Scotland in the 90s and 2000s. Set against a backdrop of T in the Park and the war in Iraq, soundtracked by Britpop and Grunge mixtapes, with the sweet taste of tablet, it is a novel about growing up and growing apart. It explores the intensity of childhood friendships, how they change as we get older but how they never really leave us.

Beginning with a story of an ex sex-worker drifting through a rural town in South America, and ending with a young woman’s sinister wedding night, Nash writes across the complications of working class women, rendering their desires with visceral prose and psychologically dissecting the fundamental root that threads her work: craving and the conflicts within.