THE BEST OF SCOTTISH BOOKS

Using Scotland’s most famous inhabitants as guides, players visit locations the length and breadth of the country, from the wilds of the Cairngorms to Edinburgh’s majestic Royal Mile. The aim of the game is to try to confound your fellow players and be the first to visit ten of Scotland’s most important places.There are 35 locations and 65 Action cards. On the Action Cards you will find all of Scotland’s most eminent citizens, past and present. From warriors to sporting heroes, from scientists to actors, from politicians to comedians. The symbols on the cards say it all: Courage, Flair, Resolve, Spirit and Wit. That is Scotland.

Every year, ten men from Ness, at the northern tip of the Isle of Lewis, sail north-east for some forty miles to a remote rock called Sulasgeir. Their mission is to catch and harvest the guga; the almost fully grown gannet chicks nesting on the two hundred foot high cliffs that circle the tiny island, which is barely half a mile long. After spending a fortnight in the arduous conditions that often prevail there, they return home with around two thousand of the birds, pickled and salted and ready for the tables of Nessmen and women both at home and abroad.The Guga Hunters tells the story of the men who voyage to Sulasgeir each year and the district they hail from, bringing out the full colour of their lives, the humour and drama of their exploits. They speak of the laughter that seasons their time together on Sulasgeir, of the risks and dangers they have faced. It also provides a fascinating insight into the social history of Ness, the culture and way-of-life that lies behind the world of the Guga Hunters, the timeless nature of the hunt, and reveals the hunt’s connections to the traditions of other North Atlantic countries.Told in his district’s poetry and prose, English and – occasionally – Gaelic, Donald S. Murray shows how the spirit of a community is preserved in this most unique of exploits.

This hardback desk diary is illustrated throughout with Mairi Hedderwick’s beautiful sketches of the Hebrides through the seasons. Featuring distinctive full-colour paintings by one of Scotland’s best-loved authors and artists, this exquisite diary is a wonderful celebration of the extraordinary natural beauty of the Hebrides.The paintings have been collected over the past forty years and show the changing faces of the landscapes. Mairi’s sketches range across many of the isles from Arran to Tiree, expertly capturing the essence of these beautiful and diverse islands. Following the huge success of the previous diaries, this new 2023 version will continue to be a cherished gift and handy desk aid.

An island can be a source of escape or return, of solace or threat.In Other Worlds, editor Stewart Conn has sought poems to set the readers’ heart racing, through a sharpening of memory or in opening new vistas and evoking new worlds and states of mind, from Barra and Eriskay to Luing, Mingulay and the Isle of May; Inchcape and the Torren rocks to Taransay and Tiree.In this anthology rich depictions of island flora and fauna sit alongside sightings of croft dwellers and ferry-lowpers. Expressions of affection and accounts of imprisonment and bereavement sit cheek-by-jowl with evocations of drowned sailors, corporeal and ghostly. Praise poems alternate with diary entries and holiday postcards. Others cover stretches of water: Corrievrecken, say, or the Minch. And while there is a recurring sense of island heritage, and of belonging, the poet’s feet need not be actively on island soil or on the deck of a fishing-boat.

Running Adventures Scotland by Ross Brannigan contains 25 inspirational and fun running routes, the majority of which are between 10 and 31 kilometres in length, exploring the best of the Highlands and the Lowlands.Running in Scotland is all about being immersed in the landscape – whether you’re up high on a ridge, on a tranquil forest track or negotiating a technical descent – it all adds up to be an unforgettable experience. This book will open up adventures for you across Scotland – follow in the footsteps of runners on the route of the Pentland Skyline Hill Race, enjoy an epic day out on the stunning Sgurr na Stri on Skye or tackle the iconic Ring of Steall. The runs are organised into five geographical areas; there is also a bonus section with three longer routes (ranging from 56 to 150 kilometres), for those looking to take their running to the next level on a longer or multi-day adventure.Each route includes all the information you need to help you plan your run, interesting background information about the local area, types of terrain covered, and refreshment recommendations, in addition to detailed directions, stunning photography and overview mapping. Downloadable GPX files of the routes are also available. There are also suggestions for other routes in the area, information on relevant conservation organisations as well as a quote from a local runner to add context to the route.Let Running Adventures Scotland take you on an unforgettable journey around the best of Scotland’s stunning landscapes.

Running Adventures Scotland by Ross Brannigan contains 25 inspirational and fun running routes, the majority of which are between 10 and 31 kilometres in length, exploring the best of the Highlands and the Lowlands.Running in Scotland is all about being immersed in the landscape – whether you’re up high on a ridge, on a tranquil forest track or negotiating a technical descent – it all adds up to be an unforgettable experience. This book will open up adventures for you across Scotland – follow in the footsteps of runners on the route of the Pentland Skyline Hill Race, enjoy an epic day out on the stunning Sgurr na Stri on Skye or tackle the iconic Ring of Steall. The runs are organised into five geographical areas; there is also a bonus section with three longer routes (ranging from 56 to 150 kilometres), for those looking to take their running to the next level on a longer or multi-day adventure.Each route includes all the information you need to help you plan your run, interesting background information about the local area, types of terrain covered, and refreshment recommendations, in addition to detailed directions, stunning photography and overview mapping. Downloadable GPX files of the routes are also available. There are also suggestions for other routes in the area, information on relevant conservation organisations as well as a quote from a local runner to add context to the route.Let Running Adventures Scotland take you on an unforgettable journey around the best of Scotland’s stunning landscapes.

Jaq Silver is back with a bang in this high-octane third novel in the seriesWhen Jaq Silver’s mother dies, she is handed a poisoned chalice. An inheritance more valuable to her than she could have imagined. Travelling from Portugal to Brazil amid conspiracies and corruption to get to the bottom of her family mystery, Jaq learns she is not the only one with an interest in her unusual inheritance. Racing against the clock as the threats to her life increase on all sides, Jaq must use her scientific know-how to save what matters most.

In the summer of 1411, the ageing Donald of Isla, Lord of the Isles, invaded mainland Scotland with a huge, battle-hardened army, only to be fought to a bloody standstill on the plateau of Harlaw, fifteen miles from Aberdeen, a town he had threatened to sack. One of the greatest battles in Scottish history, described by hardened mediaeval chroniclers as ‘atrocious’, ‘Reid Harlaw’ left some 3,000 dead and wounded. Dismissed by Scott as a ‘Celt v. Saxon’ power struggle, it has faded from historical memory, other than in the north-east of Scotland.Written records in Latin, Scots, Gaelic and English are presented in their original form, and with transcriptions and translations. Two major ballads are analysed, one contemporary, and one fabricated over 350 years later – which is still sung. Lowland views dominate, because of the loss and destruction of Highland records, notably those of the Lords of the Isles themselves. The histories themselves fall into two groups – those written at or around the time, and those composed some 300 years later.These later accounts form the basis of most modern descriptions of the battle, but they tend to be romantic and highly imaginative, creating noble order where chaos once existed.

‘A heartwarming little tale’ – Peter MayThe lighthouse keeper needed a new cat and I knew I had the perfect replacement. But this journey had begun long before I boarded the boat to the island . . .

‘I really fell head over heels in love with the story…Recommend it to all feelgood lovers out there!’ Reader ReviewClementine’s swapped a London flat for a Scottish castle – but will she get her fairytale ending?After discovering they had inherited an enormous fortune, as well as the titles of ‘Lady’, the lives of the five Hiverton sisters have never been the same.While oldest sister Ariana settles in Norfolk, fashion designer Clementine heads to the Scottish Highlands to investigate their newly inherited castle. Not bad for a girl brought up in poverty in a tiny house in East London…However, Lady Clem quickly finds out that Ruacoddy Castle is falling to pieces, the neighbours – especially grumpy young farmer, Rory – are suspicious of her and the eccentric housekeeper, Ottoline, is still in residence.But just as Clem starts to embrace her new life in the Highlands, growing closer to Rory and forming a friendship with Ottoline, she stumbles upon a secret in the attic that could destroy the Hiverton family. Can she save the castle as well as her family’s reputation?What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immoveable object?Take a trip to the gorgeous Scottish countryside with this utterly feelgood and hilarious read – fans of Jenny Colgan, Holly Martin and Cressida McLaughlin will love this!Readers love Clem’s story!:’Such a lovely, humorous, light-hearted and heartwarming read…I absolutely loved this book and will definitely read the others in the series.’ Reader Review’A deliciously fun read…Full of humour and grit…The thrill of the plot along with a superb cast make this a fabulous read.’ Reader Review’Clem was one hilarious, fierce female full of heart and at times lots of spitfire!…This was a fun, light hearted read that made me smile, and laugh.’ Reader Review’Great book, loved it and couldn’t put it down and how I laughed…Fabulous characters and great humour.’ Reader Review’Wow, it was exactly what I needed to read. Love the main character and her wittiness and absolutely loved the writing.’ Reader Review’I fell in love with the story almost immediately…a highly enjoyable romance story, with some twists and lots of fun and love.’ Reader Review’A genuinely warm, feel-good book…I loved the main character Clem who was a petite whirlwind…All in all, a lovely book thatI’d recommend.’ Reader Review’Loved this romantic book!…All the characters add to the story, especially the dynamic between Clem and Otto. Perfect summer read.’ Reader Review’I was mesmerized by the characters that roared to life in this book. Clementine and Ottoline’s relationship was incredible and something that we don’t see enough of in contemporary fiction. Thank you for writing this, Ms Hurley – you now have a new fan.’ Reader Review’A charming upbeat rom-com with a bit of mystery/adventure thrown in…A perfect escapist read. I loved this book.’ Reader Review

A small inheritance and a letter from his grandfather mark the beginnings of a journey that leads Peter Angus Gillies from his mundane job in Canada to Ardnish, the land of his forebears, on the rugged and remote west coast of Scotland.As Peter Angus explores the long-abandoned places where his ancestors eked out a living and listens to stories about them, he learns of treasure lost centuries before from a ship transporting French gold to help the Jacobite cause. Completely bewitched by the spell of Ardnish and the ghosts of its past, he sets out to find the hidden gold. With the help of a local girl, Sarah, he embarks on a search that will test him emotionally and physically as he learns independence and resilience – and experiences a love like he has never known before.

Being a doctor is a privilege; it is also very demanding and can be stressful, and to be able to look after others, we need to look after ourselves. We offer you this little book of poetry, Tools of the Trade, as a friend to provide inspiration, comfort and support as you begin work.Tools of the Trade includes poems by poet-doctors Iain Bamforth, Rafael Campo, Glenn Colquhoun, Martin MacIntryre and Gael Turnbull.

Summer, 1522. In a wave of pomp, Henry VIII’s court welcomes the Imperial emperor, Charles V. Anthony Blanke, the son of the king’s late ‘black trumpet’, John Blanke, is called to Hampton Court by his former employer, Cardinal Wolsey. The cardinal is preparing a gift for King Henry: a masque of King Arthur and the Black Knight. Anthony is to take centre stage.The festive mood, however, quickly sours. Wolsey’s historian, charged with proving the king’s descent from King Arthur, is found murdered, his body posed in a gruesome tableau. A reluctant Anthony is charged with investigating the affair. His mission takes him on the path trod by the historian, through ancient monastic libraries and the back streets of London.On a journey that takes him from Hampton Court to Windsor and Winchester, and which sees him lock horns with secretive monks, historian Polydore Vergil, and a new face at court, Anne Boleyn, he must discover the murderer, secure the great masque, and avoid King Henry’s wrath.

The year is 1317, and young squire Benedict Russell has joined the English-held garrison of Berwick-upon-Tweed after the spectacular Scottish victory at Bannockburn three years earlier.Serious and self-doubting, he can’t wait for his time there to come to an end. Living on the disputed territory between Scotland and England is a precarious existence, and as the Scots draw ever closer and the English king does nothing to stop them, Benedict finds himself in a race against time to solve the brutal murder of a young girl and find the traitor who lurks within Berwick’s walls.

A dance was devised in eighteenth-century Skye. An exhilarating dance. A dance, a visitor reports, ‘the emigration from Skye has occasioned’. The visitor asks for the dance’s name. ‘They call it America,’ he’s told.In his introduction to this new edition of his classic and pioneering account of what happened to the thousands of people who left Skye and the wider north of Scotland to make new lives across the sea, historian James Hunter reflects on what led him to embark on travels and researches that took him across a continent.To Georgia, North Carolina and Montana; to Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario and the Mohawk Valley; to prairie farms and great cities; to the Rocky Mountains, British Columbia and Washington State. This is the story of the Highland impact on the New World. The story of how soldiers, explorers, guerrilla fighters, fur traders, lumberjacks, railway builders and settlers from Scotland’s glens and islands contributed so much to the USA and Canada. The story of how an oppressed people found in North America a land of liberation.

Liz Lochhead is one of the leading poets writing in Britain today. This, her debut collection, published in 1972, was a landmark publication. Writing at a time when the landscape of Scottish poetry was male dominated, hers was a new voice, tackling subjects that resonated with readers – as it still does. Her poetry paved the way, and inspired, countless new voices including Ali Smith, Kathleen Jamie, Jackie Kay and Carol Ann Duffy. Still writing and performing today, fifty years on from her first book of poetry, Liz Lochhead has been awarded the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry and was Scotland’s second modern Makar, succeeding Edwin Morgan.Memo for Spring is accessible, vital and always as honest as it is hopeful. Driving through this collection are themes of pain, acceptance, loss and triumph.

“A few years ago, I asked Tom Petty how his songs had been influenced by his life. As a rule, songwriters aren’t keen on unpicking their work, and Petty was no exception. He didn’t want to get into specifics. ‘Life is so difficult,’ he said. ‘And easy. It’s just a chain of spontaneous events.'”Alastair McKay’s own life was inspired and informed by music, so his book takes the form of an album, with two distinct sides. The first side is about childhood, and the struggle to find a voice. The second side is about interviews, and learning how to listen.An exceptionally shy boy, Alastair gradually found his voice through the punk explosion: the ethos that ‘anyone could do it’ prompted him to start writing, largely because it was easier than talking. From these hesitant beginnings, and his own failed attempts at musicianship, he would go on to a successful career in journalism: sharing a limousine with Kate Moss, meeting Iggy Pop at the Chateau Marmont, being led astray by Tilda Swinton and many, many other encounters.

Explore Edinburgh’s hidden music heritage, plus a few of its more tuneful tall tales, with this eye-opening guide of the city’s music milestones, famous gigs, infamous incidents and colourful characters. From folk to funk, pop to punk and past to present, this collection of bite-sized stories traces the people, venues and gigs that made the city’s music scene. From Bowie to the Bay City Rollers, Edinburgh’s Greatest Hits touches on the big names as well as lifting the lid on the city’s lesser known legends. And just who did leave their teeth in a yoghurt pot on the bar in Sandy Bell’s?

F.C.B. Cadell, J.D. Fergusson, G.L. Hunter and S.J. Peploe are now amongst the most admired of early twentieth-century British artists. Their direct contact with French Post-Impressionism and early knowledge of the work of Matisse and the Fauves, encouraged them to produce paintings which are considered some of the most progressive in British art of the early twentieth century. During their lifetime the Colourists developed an international reputation, exhibiting in Paris, London and New York as well as Scotland. Since their deaths they have often been overlooked in histories of British art, but in the last twenty years there has been a dramatic revival of interest in their work. Featuring essays describing the artists’ lives and their involvement with the avant garde in Paris in the early years of the twentieth century, this book is richly illustrated with over 100 of the Colourists’ most stylish and inventive paintings.