THE BEST OF SCOTTISH BOOKS

One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime, yet it so often remains the elephant in the room. In this unprecedented book, talented novelist, Gillian Shirreffs, collects and curates her own emails, WhatsApp messages, tweets, short stories, photographs and other found texts to tell the story of the 800 days in which she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, had 22 infusions of chemotherapy, two surgeries, 15 sessions of radiotherapy, learned to live with the aftermath of treatment, and saw her debut novel, Brodie, published. Elephant is a book that doesn’t realise it is a book, providing a unique insight into a writer’s life disrupted by illness. It offers a gamut of emotions; you will laugh, cry, think. Shirreffs’ technique for surviving the most difficult days was to get through them five minutes at a time; this powerful testament to life, friendship and kindness, is one to be read at your own pace. A coffee table cancer book.

‘With its union of practicality and magic, a kitchen is a portal, offering extended range and providing unlikely paths out of the ordinary . longed-for places are suddenly not so far away. Not unreachable, but present. Held again in the hand and heart.’

In her Edinburgh basement kitchen, Caroline Eden recounts travels across Central Asia, Turkey, the Baltics and beyond using recipes, souvenirs, ingredients and imagination to provide routes back to distant lands and past adventures.

From late-night baking as a way to Ukraine, to the magic of Uzbekistan’s wintertime melons, once gifts fit for emperors and tsars, this is a hauntingly honest memoir with the smell, taste and preparation of food at its heart. Cold Kitchen is an ode to the kitchen’s extraordinary ability to tell human stories and transport us to faraway places and different times.

Until relatively modern times Scotland was largely a Gaelic-speaking nation. Areas that were described by Doctor Johnson in 1775 as being as remote and as unknown as Borneo or Sumatra became one of the first sites of modern mass tourism and the subject of more travel writing than any other part of Scotland. Recent learned writers have variously described Scotland as the ‘land of dreamtime’, the Highlands as ‘Fancy’s Land’, and the country as the site of the ‘invention of tradition’. Unfortunately, that narrative often bears little relation to the actual lived experience of the native people. In this book Coinneach Maclean journeys through the present and former Gaelic speaking areas of Scotland from the perspective of the native Gaels. Extensively illustrated with songs, poetry and place names, he introduces some of the gods and goddesses, witches and warlocks, heroes, heroines and villains who once populated these often largely emptied landscapes.

David Bleiman is bringing out his first collection, Tongue Stramash, a book of poems in Scots.  He lives in Edinburgh, writing poetry in English, Scots and a little Spanish and Yiddish. He particularly enjoys writing multilingual poetry, including a part-excavated, largely reimagined dialect of Scots-Yiddish.

The Moggie Thit Meowed Too Much by Emma Grae, illustrated by Bob Dewar, is a beautifully written Scottish children’s book that sensitively tackles the theme of loss. Set in the vibrant world of the Scots language, this story follows young Skye as she
cares for her granny’s beloved cat, Puffin, after her granny passes away. As Skye navigates her grief, she learns about love, memory and healing through the companionship of the wee moggie.

This book is perfect for children aged 4-8 who are coping with loss, as well as for families wanting to introduce Scots language in an accessible, heartfelt way. Teachers, librarians and parents who appreciate diverse linguistic traditions will find The Moggie Thit Meowed Too Much an invaluable addition to their shelves. With its charming illustrations and tender storytelling, this book offers comfort, understanding and a gentle path to discussing difficult emotions with little ones.

In 2021, Scotland became the first country in the world to embed LGBT+ inclusive education across the curriculum, following the campaigning efforts of Jordan Daly and Liam Stevenson, co-founders of the TIE campaign. TIE is now a charity which delivers LGBT+ inclusive education on the ground. The Lass & The Quine started life as a poem commissioned by TIE as part of a learning pack of eight original LGBT+ inclusive poems in Scots by four poets, launched in 2023. The poems and learning resources can be found on the TIE website.

The Lass & The Quine is the first original LGBT+ inclusive children’s book published in the Scots language. An illustrated storybook for children of primary school age based on the poem ‘The Lass and The Quine’ by Ashley Douglas. It is a new Scots fairy tale that challenges those you know in a clever and enjoyable way. The story concerns ‘a lass and a quine whae are awfie different in ivery wey, but whae faw heid ower heels in luve – meetin a wheen animals o the forest alang the wey!’ It has a timeless feel, but what makes it so special is that the love story is one between a girl and a princess, not a girl and a prince.

When the Browns take Paddington to the Christmas Grotto in a grand London department store, his journey through the Winter Wonderland is full of surprises. But the best surprise is from Santa.

After all, who else could find the perfect present for a bear like Paddington.

Embark on an enchanting journey through time and tales with Moilidh agus Doilidh, a heartwarming yet poignant narrative that seamlessly weaves together the lives of Moilidh, an orphaned pet lamb, and Doilidh, the wise seanchaidh sheep.

In this book, Maoilios Caimbeul invites readers to follow the lives of Moilidh and Doilidh as they explore the picturesque landscape of Sutherland, Skye, Lewis, the Uists, Bara, Mull, Rum and others, amongst the backdrop of the Highland Clearances. The juxtaposition of Moilidh’s sentimental journey with the intense historical narrative of the Clearances, and eventually the crofters’ rebellion, creates a powerful
and thought-provoking reading experience.

This book will be key for children who speak Gaelic, or are learning to speak. Older readers will also gain a lot from the details about the clearances. Given its younger age demographic, the Gaelic language used will also be accessible to all ages learning Gaelic.

Iomall by Alistair Paul is a collection of Gaelic short stories that pushes the boundaries of science fiction and the supernatural. With echoes of iconic authors like William Gibson, J.G. Ballard and Rudy Rucker, Paul’s stories transport readers to strange new worlds and alternate realities, blending futuristic ideas with a distinctly Gaelic voice. From alien abductions and time loops to biological supercomputers and frozen love, Iomall offers an innovative mix of mind-bending concepts and compelling narratives.

This collection is perfect for readers who enjoy experimental fiction, lovers of sci-fi with a twist or anyone eager to experience Gaelic literature in a fresh and daring context. If you’re intrigued by the avant-garde works of Semiotext(e) or enjoy surreal, boundary-pushing storytelling, Iomall will captivate your imagination.

Readers who appreciate thought-provoking, boundary-pushing narratives will find themselves captivated by the imaginative worlds Alistair
Paul creates. Whether you’re drawn to cutting-edge ideas or enjoy the surreal and strange, this collection offers something fresh and original for lovers of both Gaelic literature and innovative storytelling.

Tha sinn ann an eathar beag an cuideachd sianar Arannach air an t-slighe gu bhith a’ suidhe air an diùraidh aig cùirt an t-seisein ann an Inbhir Aora. Cho luath ’s a dh’fhàgas an t-eathar an cidhe aig Tràigh a’ Chaisteil ann an Arainn teannaidh rudan ri dhol ceàrr, togaidh conas ceann is na chois thig peacaidhean nam fear am follais.

Thèid ar toirt cuairt tro cheann iar-dheas na Gàidhealtachd mar a bha i aig toiseach an 19mh linn nuair bha an sgìre a’ tighinn fo bhuaidh atharrachaidhean mòra an t-saoghail, dìreach ro àm nam fuadaichean. Tha dàn gach caractair an eisimeil nan atharrachaidhean seo is mar a ghabhas iad riutha còmhla.

An ruig na fir a’ chùirt ann an tìde is ma ruigeas am bi e an comas dhaibh breitheanas a thoirt a-mach air an co-chreutairean le cogais ghlan?

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is L. Frank Baum’s story of a little girl named Dorothy, who with her dog Toto is carried by a tornado from Kansas to the strange and beautiful land of Oz. Here she decides to visit the Emerald City to ask its ruler, a wizard called Oz, to send her back home again. On the way she meets a Scarecrow, who is in search of brains; a Tin Woodman, who wishes to have a heart; and a Cowardly Lion, whose one desire is to possess courage. The little party encounter many dangers and marvelous adventures on the way, but reach the Emerald City in safety, their success being due to the thoughtfulness of the Scarecrow, the tender care of the Tin Woodman, and the fearlessness of the Cowardly Lion. This is the book that inspired the famous 1939 film — which differs from the original book in quite a few ways!

Is e sgeul le L. Frank Baum a th’ ann an Draoidh Drùidhteach Oz, mu dhèidhinn nighean bheag dhan ainm Diorbhail a thèid a sguabadh air falbh à Kansas le Toto, an cù aice, a-null gu dùthaich àlainn annasach Oz. An sin cuiridh i roimhpe tadhal air Baile nan Smàrag, a dh’iarraidh air an riaghladair, draoidh dhan ainm Oz, a seòladh dhachaigh a-rithist. Air an t-slighe a-null tachraidh oirre Bodach-ròcais, a tha an tòir air eanchainn; Coilltear Staoine, a tha ag iarraidh cridhe; agus Leòmhann Gealtach, aig a bheil mar àrd-mhiann a chridhe gaisge fhaighinn dha fhèin. Is iomadh cunnart is cuairt-dànachd mhìorbhaileach a thig an caraibh na buidhne bige seo rè an turais, ach ruigidh iad Baile nan Smàrag gu slàn sàbhailte, agus ma ruigeas, is ann air sgàth tuigse a’ Bhodaich-ròcais, caomhalachd a’ Choillteir Staoine, agus curantachd an Leòmhainn Ghealtaich. Is e seo an leabhar a bu bhonn-stèidh do dh’fhilm iomraiteach na bliadhna 1939—ged nach ionnan gu buileach am film agus an leabhar air an do stèidhicheadh e!

Newly updated, 21st Century edition of classic 1975 Scottish Gaelic folklore collection. Aimed at both adults and children. Nine Scottish Gaelic tales compiled and presented by Lisa Storey. Acclaimed broadcaster Angela MacEachen (author of new introduction to the 2025 publication) says:

‘Bringing up a Gaelic-speaking family in Edinburgh, if there is one book which ensured intergenerational transmission – passing Gaelic on to my children, and now my grandchildren – I can confidently say that it is, most certainly, this one. Never tiring of these marvellous traditional tales – for all ages – and their natural idiom and turn of phrase, publishing an updated version of this collection means that we can continue to enjoy these stories for years to come.’

NEW EDITION – DUAL ENGLISH AND GAELIC TEXT

This guide explores the rich history of the atmospheric Arnol Blackhouse and township on the Isle of Lewis – a history which reaches back over 2,000 years. The houses that we see today tell the story of life in the Western Isles over the last few centuries.
With side-by-side text in Gaelic and English, this new book allows people to explore this remarkable place, the importance of Gaelic culture and language, and to find out what we can learn from the traditions of the past in shaping a sustainable future.

The doorbell rang just as Sophie and her mummy were sitting down to tea…

A beloved magical story of tigers, tea and ice cream.

A multi-million selling picture book no childhood should be without.

This is the first time The Tiger Who Came to Tea has been published in Gaelic.

Publication is once again supported by the Gaelic Books Council.

There is also an audiobook of the title published by Belle Media.

This is a selection of the Gaelic prose writings of Prof Derick Thomson (1921 – 2012). As well as being one of the most important Gaelic poets of the 20th century, Thomson, as the publisher and editor of the quarterly Gairm, shaped the development of Gaelic writing in the post-war period.

As an anthology of short stories, essays, reviews, travelogues and other genres of writing, the book aims to showcase lesser known aspects of Thomson as a writer – for example his skilful use of language, sharp intellect, his commitment to Gaelic and to Scotland and his incisive wit. There is also a short biographical introduction to Thomson.

This book would be suitable for an adult readership, especially readers interested in Gaelic literature and politics. It could also be useful as a resource for students. Much of the material is not easily available outside of libraries or institutions that have a complete set of Gairm magazine available.

Tha Ruaraidh MacThòmais (1921–2012) aithnichte mar bhàrd, ollamh, agus iomairtiche as leth na Gàidhlig – ach a bharrachd air sin, b’ e sgrìobhadair rosg ealanta agus neach-naidheachd geur a bh’ ann. Anns an leabhar seo, gheibhear, airson a’ chiad turas, a h-uile sgeulachd ghoirid a dh’fhoillsich MacThòmais agus a chaidh lorg gu ruige seo, còmhla ri taghadh de sgrìobhaidhean eile a nochd ann an Gairm, an ràitheachan a chuir MacThòmais air bhonn còmhla ri Fionnlagh Iain MacDhòmhnaill: lèirmheasan air leabhraichean a ghlac aire MhicThòmais, aithisgean-siubhail à Canada agus às na dùthchannan Lochlannach, colbhan-beachd, agus aistean air Gàidhlig agus poilitigs. Anns na pìosan seo, chithear lèirsinn fharsaing, spèis do charaidean agus do sgrìobhadairean eile, faireachdainnean domhainn, àbhachdas, agus beachdan MhicThòmais air an toirt am follais ann an dòigh ùr is brìoghmhor.

Ailig is an 8-year-old boy who loves Dr Who. When his teacher arranges a Halloween party in school, Ailig knows that he wants to dress up as a Dalek. There’s only one problem though – his teacher says that the children must dress up as characters who speak Gaelic. Ailig’s mum offers to make him a Spàgan costume (Spàgan is the Gaelic translation of the ‘Monster’ books) but he is determined to go as a Dalek. They reach a compromise – if Ailig can find a Gaelic word for ‘Exterminate’ his mum will let him go to the party as a Dalek.

With full-colour illustrations by Merrill MacWilliam, this adventure story is both exciting and humorous and is sure to be enjoyed by many.

Ailig agus an Dalek Gàidhlig is written in Gaelic and is aimed at children aged 8+.

Tha tidsear Ailig a’ cur partaidh Shamhna air dòigh agus feumaidh e a dhol ann mar charactar aig a bheil Gàidhlig. Chan eil ùidh aig Ailig ann an caractar sam bith, ge-tà, ach iadsan ceangailte ri Doctor Who, agus tha e a’ cur roimhe gun tèid e ann mar Dhalek.

Tha e air culaidh-choimheach a dhèanamh, ach tha aon rud a dhìth air mus leig Mam leis a dhol ann – feumaidh e dearbhadh gu bheil Gàidhlig aig na Daleks. Nis, dè am facal Gàidhlig airson ‘exterminate’?

The beloved fantasy classic for readers of all ages, about a hobbit called Bilbo Baggins who is whisked off on an unexpected journey by Gandalf the wizard and a company of thirteen dwarves. The Hobbit is a tale of high adventure, undertaken by a company of dwarves in search of dragon-guarded gold. A reluctant partner in this perilous quest is Bilbo Baggins, a comfort-loving unambitious hobbit, who surprises even himself by his resourcefulness and skill as a burglar. Encounters with trolls, goblins, dwarves, elves and giant spiders, conversations with the dragon, Smaug, and a rather unwilling presence at the Battle of Five Armies are just some of the adventures that befall Bilbo. Bilbo Baggins has taken his place among the ranks of the immortals of children’s fiction.

Seo an sgeul fantasach air leth a tha ionmhainn aig luchd-leughaidh eadar mhòr is beag, mu dheidhinn hobait agus Biolbo Bagainn as ainm dha, a thèid a sguabadh air falbh air turas gun dùil leis an draoidh Gandalf agus còmhlan de thrì troichean deug. ‘S e fìor dhàna-sgeulachd a tha sa Hobat, mu sgrìob a bheir buidheann de throichean air tòir òir a tha fo fhreiceadan le dràgon. ‘S ann gu mì-dheònach a ghabhas Biolbo Bagainn pàirt sa cheann-turais seo, agus e na hobat dèidheil air cofhurt is gun uaill-mhiann air idir. Cuiridh e iongnadh fiù ‘s air fhèin leis cho innleachdach is cho sgileil ‘s a tha e mar ghadaiche. Am measg gach driodfhortan eile, tachraidh Biolbo ri trobhaichean, bòcain, troichean, eilf agus damhain-allaidh aibheiseach, mus bi còmhraidhean aige leis an dràgon, Smòg, agus mus bi e an làthair a dh’aindeoin a thoil fhèin aig Blàr nan Còig Arm. Tha Biolbo Bagainn ga chunntadh am measg nan gaisgeach neo-bhàsmhor ann an uirsgeul cloinne.
Nuair a sgrìobh an t-Àrd-ollamh Tolkien A’ Hobat do chloinn fhèin, choisinn e sàr-chliù cho luath ‘s a chaidh fhoillseachadh. A-nis, tha an leabhar ri fhaighinn sa Ghàidhlig airson a’ chiad uair, ann an eadar-theangachadh iongantach leis an Àrd-ollamh Moray Watson. Tha na dealbhan-tarraing is mapaichean uile aig an ùghdar an lùib an leabhair.

Fair is foul and foul is fair.

From the Sunday Times bestselling author of A Study in Drowning comes a reimagining of Lady Macbeth, Shakespeare’s most famous villainess, giving her a voice, a past, and a power that transforms the story men have written for her.

The Lady knows the stories: that her eyes induce madness in men.

The Lady knows she will be wed to the Scottish brute, who does not leave his warrior ways behind when he comes to the marriage bed.

The Lady knows his hostile, suspicious court will be a game of survival, requiring all of her wiles and hidden witchcraft to survive.

But the Lady does not know her husband has occult secrets of his own. She does not know that prophecy girds him like armour. She does not know that her magic is greater, and more dangerous, and that it will threaten the order of the world.

She does not know this yet. But she will.

Ingrained is a love letter to trees, timber and craftsmanship – and to finding your own voice.
The eldest son of a Master Woodworker, Callum Robinson spent his childhood surrounded by wood and trees, absorbing craft lessons in his father’s workshop, playing amongst the sycamore, oak and Scots pine that bordered his home. In time he became his father’s apprentice, helping to create exquisite bespoke objects. But eventually the need to find his own path led him to establish his own workshop; to chase ever bigger and more commercial projects, to business meetings, bright lights and bureaucracy, to lose touch with his roots. Until the devastating loss of one major job threatened to bring it all crashing down. Faced with the end of his business, his team and everything he had worked so hard to build, he was forced to question what mattered most.

Blending memoir and nature writing at its finest, Ingrained is an uplifting meditation on the joys and challenges of working with your hands in our modern age, on inheritance, community, and the beauty of the natural world.

‘I shall be a thousand different Marys and, in such manner, shall find the one I wish to be…’

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu longs for adventure, freedom and love, believing that only by truly living can she ever escape the stalking crow of Death…

An aristocratic woman in 18th century England is expected to act in certain ways. But Mary has never let society’s expectations stifle her: she writes celebrated poetry and articles advocating for equality, as well as endless, often scandalous, letters to her many powerful friends.

However, Mary wants more from the world. Using her charm and connections, she engineers a job offer for her husband as ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. Travelling to Constantinople, Mary finally discovers the autonomous life she dreams of. And when she observes Turkish women ‘engrafting’ children against smallpox, she resolves to bring the miracle cure back to England.

Despite this, Mary’s reputation becomes increasingly tainted. Her inability to abide by the rules, her outspoken opinions on women’s rights, and her search for love and desire at all costs gains her powerful enemies. While Mary tries to ensure her name will live on by arranging the publication of her diaries after her death, her own daughter works against her, afraid of what they might contain…

An illuminating and beautiful novel, A Woman of Opinion gives a voice to the tragically unremembered yet extraordinary life of pioneering poet and feminist, Mary Wortley Montagu.

The electric new fantasy series for fans of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief and Impossible Creatures, perfect for readers aged 9-12.

Life is no fun for Alex Evans. Ever since her dad’s death, her overprotective mother has smothered her with unbreakable rules and unspoken fears. When the frustration inside Alex finally gets too big to bear, it rushes to the surface.

And flames spill from her mouth.

Because Alex is a dragon. One of the many who live among us, unless something awakens their true nature. Led by the mighty Oliphos to the legendary island of Skralla, Alex must now train alongside fierce, frightening dragon children, if she is to unlock the power of her birthright.

But other dragons are rising too. Drak Midna, the greatest dragon of all, is preparing a war against the human world, and Alex has to be good enough for this fight, or we all will burn . . .