THE BEST OF SCOTTISH BOOKS

Scotland has a distinctive place in the world. Nation to Nation explores how this unique relationship with the rest of the world has developed over the years and how it manifests itself today.In this book Stephen Gethins combines his knowledge from years of work in the field – from the conflict zones of the former Soviet Union to the corridors of power in Westminster and Brussels – with insights from political, cultural and academic figures who have been at the heart of foreign policy in Scotland, the UK, Europe and North America.Gethins looks at Scotland’s foreign policy to better inform the debate about our country’s future and its relationships with its neighbours near and far.

The Waverley Thistle Large Tartan cloth hardback (21 x 13cm) Notebook has 192 pages cream FSC acid-free paper, from sustainable forests and boards made from 100% recycled paper. The tartan colours are deep purple and green, with turquoise blue, dark burgundy, and dark charcoal. Left hand side page blank, right hand side page ruled. Made with Kinloch Anderson-designed cloth woven in mills in Great Britain. Pocket at the back for enclosures. Bookmark with history of tartan on one side and brief story of the tartan design on the other. Leaflet with map of Scotland, explanation of the history of tartan.

Telling a story which has been described as ‘one of the best kept secrets in Scottish history’, Peter Pininski reveals his research on Bonnie Prince Charlie’s ‘hidden’ grandchildren, one of whom was his own great-great-great grandfather. And in an astounding twist of fate he discovered that his mother was descended down the female line from Cameron of Lochiel, Bonnie Prince Charlie’s most staunch ally in 1745/6.He also charts the early life of Prince Charles Edward Stewart, ‘the Young Pretender’, his multi-cultural upbringing at the exiled British court in Rome and the traits he inherited from his Polish princess mother.The book has been rewritten and updated from the edition published by Amberley in 2010. It features on the cover a portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlie that was in a private collection and unknown to the general public until 2018 when it was purchased by the Pininski Foundation.

Part history, part celebratory publication, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland: Raising the Curtain, showcases the conservatoire’s 175 year history in what will be a wonderful collector’s piece for years to come.With spectacular photography and testimony from alumni, including Sam Heughan and Alan Cumming, Royal Conservatoire Scotland: Raising the Curtain will celebrate the conservatoire’s past and present, and will give readers access to the hidden depths of the renowned Scottish institution formally known as the RSAMD (Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Dance).This book will be of interest to collectors, former alumni of Royal Conservatoire Scotland, and those interested in Scottish culture and history, particular of its people and institutions .

Part history, part celebratory publication, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland: Raising the Curtain, showcases the conservatoire’s 175 year history in what will be a wonderful collector’s piece for years to come.With spectacular photography and testimony from alumni, including Sam Heughan and Alan Cumming, Royal Conservatoire Scotland: Raising the Curtain will celebrate the conservatoire’s past and present, and will give readers access to the hidden depths of the renowned Scottish institution formally known as the RSAMD (Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Dance).This book will be of interest to collectors, former alumni of Royal Conservatoire Scotland, and those interested in Scottish culture and history, particular of its people and institutions .

George Mackay Brown was a master of the short story form and produced a steady stream of short fiction collections, starting with A Calendar of Love (1967) and include A Time to Keep (1969) and Hawkfall (1974), as well as his poetry collections and novels. In this selection, edited and introduced by Malachy Tallack, we explore the author’s Orkney and the ups and downs of the crofters and fishermen there. These magical stories, drawn from ancient lore and modern life, strip life down to the essentials.

‘Nobody does cosy, get-away-from-it-all romance like Jenny Colgan’Sunday ExpressOn the tiny Scottish island of Mure, Christmas preparations are even more hectic than usual . . .Flora MacKenzie is worried about her brother. Fintan hasn’t got over the death of his partner, Colton, and Flora thinks he needs a project.The Rock – the rambling, disused hotel on the tip of the island – was Colton’s passion project before he died. With Flora’s help, Fintan is going to get the hotel up and running in time for Christmas, transforming it into a festive haven of crackling log fires and delicious food. But running a hotel, they are about to discover, is not that easy. Especially when their motley staff includes a temperamental French chef, a spoilt Norwegian kitchen boy who can’t peel a potato without mutilating his own hand and a painfully shy kitchen assistant who blushes when anyone speaks to her.Can they pull it together in time for the big opening?And can Flora help her family find happiness this Christmas?____________________Why readers ADORE Jenny Colgan’Jenny Colgan has a way of writing that makes me melt inside”Her books are so good I want to start over as soon as I have finished”There’s something so engaging about her characters and plots”Her books are like a big, warm blanket”Her stories are just so fabulous”She brings her settings and characters so vividly to life”The woman is just magic’

John Buchan (1875-1940), author of over 100 books including The Thirty-Nine Steps, was a stealth writer of supernatural and Weird fiction. From the beginning of his career to his last works, he brought supernatural elements into his narratives to test his characters and thrill his readers.His 1932 novel The Gap in the Curtain was his last full-length work devoted to exploring a supernatural theme: if you were able to see one year into the future, what would you do with that foreknowledge? And what would it do to you?The novel tells the story of five country-house guests who are trained by the ailing Professor Moe, an Einsteinian mathematician who has devised a way of seeing into the future. These five guests gain one piece of knowledge from the experiment, and have to decide how to act on it. The episodes vary from high drama to social comedy, and use Buchan’s skill in writing political intrigue and adventure abroad. This is a novel that showcases Buchan’s talents as a storyteller, and is a thoroughly satisfying read.The Introduction is by Kate Macdonald, author of John Buchan. The Mystery Companion and many other works on Buchan’s writing.

A seasonal meander through the wilds of Scotland.’If Clanlands was a gentle road trip through Scotland, this almanac is a top down, pedal to the metal up and down odyssey through the many byways of a Scottish year. An invitation to anyone who picks up the book to join us on a crazy camper van exploration over 12 glorious, whisky fuelled months. Mountains, battles, famous (and infamous) Scots, the alarming competitiveness of Men in Kilts, clans, feuds, flora, fauna, with a healthy sprinkling of embarrassing personal reminiscences thrown in. Much is explored, all is shared. It is a camper van cornucopia of all things Alba’.From First Footing to Samhain, Fringe Festival follies to whisky lore, Sam & Graham guide readers through a year of Scottish legends, traditions, historical and contemporary events, sharing personal stories and tips as only these two chalk-and-cheese friends can.As entertaining as it is practical, The Clanlands Almanac is a light-hearted education in Scottish history and culture, told through the eyes of two passionate Scotsmen. The perfect escapist guide, The Clanlands Almanac is intended as a starting point for your own Scottish discoveries.

In 2014 she said: ‘I’m NEVER doing Breakfast Radio ever again.’Now she’s back.So, what made journalist, presenter, playwright and all-round loveable rascal Cat Harvey rejoin the broadcasting enigma that is Ewen Cameron? Was it the Pandemic? The closure of theatres? Or was the fact she needed to laugh? What reunited the award-winning duo?How does a sensible sportswriter end up a pantomime fairy? Why would anyone agree to write a play in two weeks because of a misunderstanding in a supermarket car park? How does it feel when your 85-year-old dad becomes an internet sensation with TVcameras turning up at his door?In CAT’S OUT THE BAG, Cat answers all these questions and more and spills the beans on the hilarious behind-the-scenes antics on one of Scotland’s favourite radio shows. There’s dancing on a kitchen table with a global superstar at 3 a.m., Ewen’s traffic stopping prank on his wife and THAT rumour of a night of passion with a Rolling Stone.’Ewen & Cat at Breakfast’ fans will love the insight into regular show features like ‘Aye or Naw’, ‘Song with a Story’ and ‘Ewen and Cat’s Musical Balls’. And the funniest stories and messages from their loyal listeners are included too.It’s a world where fun is mandatory, nonsense is encouraged, and everyone is welcome.Side-splittingly funny, moving, insightful, poignant and ultimately uplifting in a world of gloom, this is the light-hearted banter we all need. And if this book does not sound like your cup of tea, buy it for your mammy – she’ll love it.

‘Abir Mukherjee is doing something uniquely different in the crime genre. His evocation of 1920s India under British occupation is breathtaking’ Peter May, Sunday Times bestseller, on The Shadows of MenCalcutta, 1923.When a Hindu theologian is found murdered in his home, the city is on the brink of all-out religious war. Can officers of the Imperial Police Force, Captain Sam Wyndham and Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee track down those responsible in time to stop a bloodbath?Set at a time of heightened political tension, beginning in atmospheric Calcutta and taking the detectives all the way to bustling Bombay, the latest instalment in this ‘unmissable’ (The Times) series presents Wyndham and Banerjee with an unprecedented challenge. Will this be the case that finally drives them apart?’An engaging, evocative thriller that captures the heat of Indian nights and heady days of a bygone era, without being sentimental or simplistic’ Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Appeal

‘Abir Mukherjee is doing something uniquely different in the crime genre. His evocation of 1920s India under British occupation is breathtaking’ Peter May, Sunday Times bestseller, on The Shadows of MenCalcutta, 1923.When a Hindu theologian is found murdered in his home, the city is on the brink of all-out religious war. Can officers of the Imperial Police Force, Captain Sam Wyndham and Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee track down those responsible in time to stop a bloodbath?Set at a time of heightened political tension, beginning in atmospheric Calcutta and taking the detectives all the way to bustling Bombay, the latest instalment in this ‘unmissable’ (The Times) series presents Wyndham and Banerjee with an unprecedented challenge. Will this be the case that finally drives them apart?’An engaging, evocative thriller that captures the heat of Indian nights and heady days of a bygone era, without being sentimental or simplistic’ Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Appeal

The Waverley Blue Loch Commonplace Pocket Tartan hardback Notebook has 176 pages. Made from British blue and white tartan cloth with yellow-gold edges, 80sgsm FSC acid-free paper, from sustainable forests and boards made from 100% recycled paper. Left hand side page blank, right hand side page ruled. Pocket at the back for enclosures. Bookmark with history of tartan on one side and brief story of the tartan design on the other. Leaflet with map of Scotland, explanation of the history of tartan.There are over 80 styles in the Waverley Tartan Commonplace Notebook range, in three sizes.

The Waverley Dress Gordon Large Tartan cloth hardback (21 x 13cm) Notebook has 192 pages cream FSC acid-free paper, from sustainable forests and boards made from 100% recycled paper. Left hand side page blank, right hand side page ruled. Made with cloth woven in mills in Great Britain. Pocket at the back for enclosures. Bookmark with history of tartan on one side and brief story of the tartan design on the other. Leaflet with map of Scotland, explanation of the history of tartan.

What is the root of evil? Is it born out of anguish, out of hopelessness? Does it linger after the death of the evil-doer? Could evil, possibly, seep through the pages of a book?After Emily Bronte’s death, Henry Newby – nephew of Bronte’s publisher – is dispatched to her home in Haworth Parsonage to retrieve an unpublished manuscript. Upon his arrival on this stormy night, he finds pages burning in a fire. Fearing this is the manuscript he’s been sent for, he rescues what he can from the flames.Sheltered from the howling wind and the lashing rain, Henry reads long into the night. And as he does, the line between truth and fiction blurs…Poring over the pages, Henry begins to wonder whether this narrative is in fact the work of fiction he was sent to recover – or something more sinister, more insidious. Is the spirit of Emily still lingering, spilling the black soul of Heathcliff among the flame and ashes?Alone, afraid, and tormented, Henry must piece together the enigma of Heathcliff before the night catches up with him…In this chilling tale that revisits Wuthering Heights , Tennant shines a sliver of light on the mysteries surrounding Emily Bronte and brings her to life in enthralling and unexpected ways.

The gripping new thriller in the brilliant Constance Fairchild series, from one of Scotland’s foremost crime writers.On compassionate leave following the death of her mother, Detective Constable Constance Fairchild thought renting a cottage near Aberystwyth, Wales would get her far enough from London to finally relax. But trouble always seems to find Con, and it’s not long before she is cooling off in a police station cell after defending herself from two would-be rapists.In custody she meets a young Ukrainian woman, Lila, who confides in Con that she’s been forced by her manipulative boyfriend into prostitution and running drugs. Fearing for her life, she has run away from him, only to end up in the cells.Con offers to help, but when her cottage is ransacked, and Lila subsequently disappears, she realises she’s stumbled into very dangerous company. International drug smugglers and ruthless people traffickers – those who will stop at nothing to protect their secrets. Out here at the end of the line, will Con find that there’s nowhere left to run?Praise for James Oswald:’The new Ian Rankin’ Daily Record’Creepy, gritty and gruesome’ Sunday Mirror’Crime fiction’s next big thing’ Sunday Telegraph

Martin Moran was a man of the mountains, inspiring both as pioneer and leader. His is a story of life-changing adventures and dramatic, often near-death experiences, told with humour and verve.

‘The legendary Quintin Jardine . . . such a fine writer’ DENZIL MEYRICK’Scottish crime-writing at its finest, with a healthy dose of plot twists and turns, bodies and plenty of brutality’ SUNThe gripping new mystery in Quintin Jardine’s bestselling Bob Skinner series, not to be missed by readers of Ian Rankin and Peter May.’Another powerful tartan noir that packs a punch’ PETERBOROUGH EVENING TELEGRAPH’Incredibly difficult to put the book down . . . a guide through a world of tangled family politics, hostile takeovers, government-sanctioned killing, extortion and the seedier side of publishing . . . Quintin Jardine should be . . . your first choice!’ SCOTS MAGAZINE(P) 2021 Headline Publishing Group Ltd’Well constructed, fast-paced, Jardine’s narrative has many an ingenious twist and turn’ OBSERVER

This special, limited hardback edition is one of only 175 signed and numbered copies. Part history, part celebratory publication, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland: Raising the Curtain, showcases the conservatoire’s 175 year history in what will be a wonderful collector’s piece for years to come.With spectacular photography and testimony from alumni, including Sam Heughan and Alan Cumming, Royal Conservatoire Scotland: Raising the Curtain will celebrate the conservatoire’s past and present, and will give readers access to the hidden depths of the renowned Scottish institution formally known as the RSAMD (Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Dance).This book will be of interest to collectors, former alumni of Royal Conservatoire Scotland, and those interested in Scottish culture and history, particular of its people and institutions .

I will not travel beyond Glasgow’s city limits, or use any vehicles except my bike, for a whole calendar year. – Ellie Harrison, January 2016This simple proposition – to attempt to live a ‘low-carbon lifestyle of the future’ – put forward by an English artist living in post-industrial Glasgow cut to the heart of the unequal world we have created. A world in which some live transient and disconnected existences within a global ‘knowledge economy’ racking up huge carbon footprints as they chase work around the world, whilst others, trapped in a cycle of poverty caused by deindustrialisation and the lack of local opportunities, cannot even afford the bus fare into town. We’re all equally miserable. Isn’t it time we rethought the way we live our lives?In this, her first book, Ellie Harrison traces her own life’s trajectory to examine the relationship between literal and social mobility; between class and carbon footprint. From the personal to the political, she uses experiences and knowledge gained in Glasgow in 2016 and beyond, together with the ideas of Patrick Geddes – who coined the phrase ‘Think Global, Act Local’ in 1915, economist EF Schumacher who made the case for localism in Small is Beautiful in 1973, and the Fearless Cities movement of today, to put forward her own vision for ‘the sustainable city of the future’, in which we can all live happy, healthy and creative lives.