THE BEST OF SCOTTISH BOOKS

Marshall feels the need to escape because things are so tough at home. Rory is just happy it’s the first day of the summer holidays. While out on their bikes they stumble across a long-forgotten underground bunker at the edge of the woods. This is the den, and going down inside will stretch their friendship to its limits. There will be rivalry and betrayal, but can wrecked relationships be saved before the summer has even begun?

The essential teenage guide to tackling anxiety, from award-winning well-being expert Nicola Morgan, author of the bestselling Blame My Brain

Anxiety is on many teenager’s minds – it’s the word they use most often when they talk about their mental health. Award-winning author and teenage brain expert Nicola Morgan is here to help, with this practical guide to help young people understand their anxiety and cope with the challenges of modern life. Based on the latest science, No Worries is packed with advice to help teenagers master the best tricks and hacks to stay firmly in control of worries and embrace calm. From understanding how anxiety works, to building strategies to calm the body and mind, this essential guide equips young people with the tools to tackle their worries and live brilliantly.

?Horror opened me up to new possibilities for survival ? I saw power in freakery and transgression and wondered if it could be mine.?The relationship between horror films and the LGBTQ+ community? It?s complicated. Haunted houses, forbidden desires and the monstrous can have striking resonance for those who?ve been marginalised. But the genre?s murky history of an alarmingly heterosexual male gaze, queer-coded villains and sometimes blatant homophobia, is impossible to overlook. There is tension here, and there are as many queer readings of horror films as there are queer people.Edited by Joe Vallese, and with contributions by writers including Kirsty Logan and Carmen Maria Machado, the essays in It Came from the Closet bring the particulars of the writers? own experiences, whether in relation to gender, sexuality, or both, to their unique interpretations of horror films from Jaws to Jennifer?s Body.Exploring a multitude of queer experiences from first kisses and coming out to transition and parenthood, this is a varied and accessible collection that leans into the fun of horror while taking its cultural impact and reciprocal relationship to the LGBTQ+ community seriously.

If Ruth had stayed on leave, none of it might have happened. An astronomer working at the Maurice Frazer Observatory, Ruth Russell is enjoying her time in Rome.

That is until Charles Digham, top fashion photographer and Ruth’s lover, has his camera stolen and the thief ends up a headless corpse in the zoo park toletta. The enigmatic Johnson Johnson, in Rome to paint a portrait of the Pope, is on hand to unravel the mystery.

But as Johnson and Ruth begin the search for clues it soon becomes clear that more is at stake than the secrets of a couture house ? something far more deadly.

Iona Lee’s debut collection charts the journey of the writer, artist and performer into adulthood. Written in a unique voice, Iona playfully toys with thematic devices in this entertaining exploration of art and artifice, absence and impermanence, truth and tale telling. Characterised by a deep love of language, its music and its magic, these poems reflect on memory, the future and other hauntings. Wittily observed, this collection is an attempt to connect the stars into tidy constellations, and to join the tiny, inchoate dots of self into something traceable and translatable.

Humorous and self-aware, gentle and philosophical, Anamnesis is written in the knowledge that in telling one’s life-story, one creates it.

Be that guy … the one who steps us, speaks out and creates positive change

Have you ever been in a room where there’s a loud guy making inappropriate comments, cracking jokes that only he thinks are funny, or leering at the girls in the room? You can feel it in the room, right? That guy, is causing a lot of tension and giving lads everywhere a bad name.

This is an audiobook about how not to be that guy. It’s an audiobook about getting comfortable calling out bad behaviour. And it’s an audiobook that will help you feel confident navigating the modern minefield of relationships and interacting with girls, while being the guy that makes girls feel safe, heard, and respected. Because that’s the guy everyone needs right now.

From flirting with disaster and staying in the friend zone, to porn, locker-room talk, consent and inappropriate behaviour, this is a non-accusatory handbook for young men who are fed up of that guy, and who want to be The Good Guy – the one that everyone wants to have around.(P) 2023 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Marshall feels the need to escape because things are so tough at home. Rory is just happy it?s the first day of the summer holidays. While out on their bikes they stumble across a long-forgotten underground bunker at the edge of the woods. This is the den, and going down inside will stretch their friendship to its limits. There will be rivalry and betrayal, but can wrecked relationships be saved before the summer has even begun?

‘Hungry Beat is the story of an all-too-brief era where the short-circuiting of that industry seemed viable. But hell, the times were luminous as was the music these artists made. The songs and many of the players remain, and here they tell their story and lick their wounds’ Ian Rankin

The immense cultural contribution made by two maverick Scottish independent music labels, Fast Product and Postcard, cannot be underestimated. Bob Last and Hilary Morrison in Edinburgh, followed by Alan Horne and Edwyn Collins in Glasgow helped to create a confidence in being Scottish that hitherto had not existed in pop music (or the arts in general in Scotland). Their fierce independent spirit stamped a mark of quality and intelligence on everything they achieved, as did their role in the emergence of regional independent labels and cultural agitators, such as Rough Trade, Factory and Zoo.

Hungry Beat is a definitive oral history of these labels and the Scottish post-punk period. Covering the period 1977-1984, the book begins with the Subway Sect and the Slits performance on the White Riot tour in Edinburgh and takes us through to Bob Last shepherding the Human League from experimental electronic artists on Fast Product to their triumphant number one single in the UK and USA, Don’t You Want Me. Largely built on interviews for Grant McPhee’s Big Gold Dream film with Last, Hilary Morrison, Paul Morley and members of The Human League, Scars, The Mekons, Fire Engines, Josef K, Aztec Camera, The Go-Betweens and The Bluebells, Hungry Beat offers a comprehensive overview of one of the most important periods of Scottish cultural output and the two labels that changed the landscape of British music.

‘Lin Anderson is one of Scotland’s national treasures’ Stuart MacBride’

Forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod has become one of the most satisfying characters in modern crime fiction’ Daily Mail

A remote shoreline. A lethal killer. As lone visitors disappear from the rural northwest of Scotland, campsites are becoming crime scenes. The Wild Coast is a chilling thriller from Lin Anderson.

When forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod is brought in to analyse a shallow grave on Scotland’s west coast, she is disturbed by a bundle of twigs crafted into a stickman and left in the victim?s mouth.

Then, when a young woman is reported missing from a nearby campsite with another sinister figurine left in her van, it seems that someone is targeting wild campers. An idyllic coastline known for providing peace and serenity, now the area is a hunting ground.

As her investigation proceeds, Rhona is forced to reconsider her closest bonds. Rumours of sexual assault offences by serving police officers are circling in Glasgow, which may include her trusted colleague DS Michael McNab. Could it be true, or is someone looking to put him out of action?

All the while a young woman’s life is on the line and the clock is ticking . . .

‘Lin Anderson is one of Scotland?s national treasures’ Stuart MacBride’Forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod has become one of the most satisfying characters in modern crime fiction’ Daily MailA remote shoreline. A lethal killer. As lone visitors disappear from the rural northwest of Scotland, campsites are becoming crime scenes. The Wild Coast is a chilling thriller from Lin Anderson.When forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod is brought in to analyse a shallow grave on Scotland?s west coast, she is disturbed by a bundle of twigs crafted into a stickman and left in the victim?s mouth.Then, when a young woman is reported missing from a nearby campsite with another sinister figurine left in her van, it seems that someone is targeting wild campers. An idyllic coastline known for providing peace and serenity, now the area is a hunting ground.As her investigation proceeds, Rhona is forced to reconsider her closest bonds. Rumours of sexual assault offences by serving police officers are circling in Glasgow, which may include her trusted colleague DS Michael McNab. Could it be true, or is someone looking to put him out of action?All the while a young woman?s life is on the line and the clock is ticking . . .

‘When I was a child in Scotland, I was fond of everything that was wild, and all my life I’ve been growing fonder and fonder of wild places and wild creatures.’

John Muir was eleven when he and his family left Scotland in 1849 to build a new life on a homestead in the vast wilderness of Wisconsin. Written in simple yet beautiful prose, we see Muir’s delight as he discovers and observes the landscape and wildlife around him, as he recalls his childhood and reveals himself as a master of natural description.

Acclaimed historian Alistair Moffat sets off in the footsteps of the Highland clans. In thirteen journeys he explores places of conflict, recreating as he walks the tumult of battle. As he recounts the military prowess of the clans – surely the most feared fighting men in western Europe – he also speaks of their lives, their language and culture before it was all swept away. The disaster at Culloden in 1746 represented not just the defeat of the Jacobite dream but also the unleashing of merciless retribution from the British government which dealt the Highland clans a blow from which they would never recover.

From the colonisers who attempted to “civilise” the islanders of Lewis in the sixteenth century through the great battles of the eighteenth century – Killiekrankie, Dunkeld, Sheriffmuir, Falkirk and Culloden – this is a unique exploration of many of the places and events which define a country’s history.

Edinburgh was founded as a royal burgh by David I in the early twelfth century, though there had been a settlement on what became Castle Rock for centuries before that. King David is also thought to be responsible for the city’s oldest building, a chapel built in honour of his mother, Queen Margaret, who was later declared a saint.

Churches of Edinburgh looks at the city’s churches, from this earliest surviving example to the award-winning Chapel of Saint Albert the Great, which opened some 900 years later. It tells their stories, discusses their architecture and points out their notable features, as well as outlining the important part that some of Edinburgh’s churches have played in major events in Scottish history such as the Reformation or the National Covenant.

The churches featured include, among many others, the ruined thirteenth-century abbey that was once a meeting place for the Scottish Parliament, the church that retains a seat for Queen Victoria and the one that has its own canal boat. There is also the story of the fifteenth-century church that was demolished in 1848 but was later partially rebuilt elsewhere, and that of the important artworks that lie hidden beneath the paintwork of another city church.

This fascinating picture of an important part of the history of Edinburgh over the centuries will be of interest to all those who live in or are visiting Scotland’s capital city.

These units were used by British Rail from the start of electrification in Glasgow in 1961. Initially the units worked between Helensburgh Central and Airdrie and various branch lines on the North Clyde area. They were later introduced to the South Clyde area in 1962, working from Glasgow Central to various destinations. This book covers both classes from the BR era through to privatisation and beyond. With the advent of more modern multiple units such as the Class 314 from 1979, a reduction in the use of the Class 303 and Class 311 took place.One Class 303 has survived into preservation at Bo?ness, and part of a Class 311 unit is based at the Summerlee Heritage Centre at Coatbridge near Glasgow.

‘Lin Anderson is one of Scotland?s national treasures’ Stuart MacBride’Forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod has become one of the most satisfying characters in modern crime fiction’ Daily MailA remote shoreline. A lethal killer. As lone visitors disappear from the rural northwest of Scotland, campsites are becoming crime scenes. The Wild Coast is a chilling thriller from Lin Anderson.When forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod is brought in to analyse a shallow grave on Scotland?s west coast, she is disturbed by a bundle of twigs crafted into a stickman and left in the victim?s mouth.Then, when a young woman is reported missing from a nearby campsite with another sinister figurine left in her van, it seems that someone is targeting wild campers. An idyllic coastline known for providing peace and serenity, now the area is a hunting ground.As her investigation proceeds, Rhona is forced to reconsider her closest bonds. Rumours of sexual assault offences by serving police officers are circling in Glasgow, which may include her trusted colleague DS Michael McNab. Could it be true, or is someone looking to put him out of action?All the while a young woman?s life is on the line and the clock is ticking . . .

Squid Game meets The Hunger Games in the final gripping instalment of a fast-paced, action-packed Scottish thriller series where recruits compete in a fight to the death in the streets of Edinburgh.

New enemies to kill.

For decades, the Pantheon Games was the world’s most elite underground event, where modern-day recruits battled to the death with ancient weapons. But it has been left in turmoil by the Grand Battle of its Twentieth Season.

New alliances to build.

In Edinburgh, as the Titans descend upon the Valhalla Tunnels, recruit Tyler Maitland’s search for his sister rages on, while his friends are left to fend for themselves. With enemies on the run, heroes in hiding, and an organisation in chaos, the future of this secret world has never been more threatened.

A new future to forge.

But a three-way battle soon delivers previously unmatched teams to the fields of eastern Europe, where a hidden force will blow the truth of the Games wide open, once and for all…

The final Season starts now.

Praise for the Pantheon series:

‘The moment you ask yourself if it could just be true, the story has you.’ Anthony Riches’So gripping I sometimes find myself holding my breath while I’m reading!’ Ruth Hogan

‘A brilliant eccentric concept which hits you like a fever dream.’ Giles Kristian

‘Gripping and original – a terrific read!’ Joe Heap

‘A thrilling ride… C.F. Barrington knocks it out of the park.’ Matthew Harffy

The final gripping instalment in a fast-paced, action-packed Scottish thriller series where recruits compete in a fight to the death in the streets of Edinburgh.New enemies to kill.For decades, the Pantheon Games was the world’s most elite underground event, where modern-day recruits battled to the death with ancient weapons. But it has been left in turmoil by the Grand Battle of its Twentieth Season.New alliances to build.In Edinburgh, as the Titans descend upon the Valhalla Tunnels, recruit Tyler Maitland’s search for his sister rages on, while his friends are left to fend for themselves. With enemies on the run, heroes in hiding, and an organisation in chaos, the future of this secret world has never been more threatened.A new future to forge.But a three-way battle soon delivers previously unmatched teams to the fields of eastern Europe, where a hidden force will blow the truth of the Games wide open, once and for all…The final Season starts now.Praise for the Pantheon series:’The moment you ask yourself if it could just be true, the story has you.’ Anthony Riches’So gripping that I sometimes find myself holding my breath while I’m reading!’ Ruth Hogan’A brilliant eccentric concept which hits you like a fever dream.’ Giles Kristian’Gripping and original ? a terrific read!’ Joe Heap’The Wolf Mile is a thrilling ride and a heck of a debut. C.F. Barrington knocks it out of the park.’ Matthew Harffy

Be the guy to step up, speak out and create positive change.

Have you ever been in a situation where there’s a loud guy making dodgy comments, cracking jokes that only he thinks are funny or leering at the girls in the room? You can feel the tension, right? That guy is the worst, but no one is saying anything, because the whole situation is intimidating and awkward.

This is a book will show you how to get comfortable calling out bad behaviour. It will help you understand the serious issues facing girls today. And it will make you feel confident navigating relationships, making sure everyone feels safe, heard and respected, while being the best version of yourself.

From how not to approach girls and what staying in the friend zone really means, to the perils of porn, ‘locker-room’ talk and consent, this is a vital handbook for teens and young men who are fed up of that guy, and who want to create positive change.

Recommended for ages 13 and over.

This is the extraordinary story of how salt fish from Shetland became one of the staple foods of Europe, powered an economic boom and inspired artists, writers and musicians.

It ranges from the wild waters of the North Atlantic, the ice-filled fjords of Greenland and the remote islands of Faroe to the dining tables of London’s middle classes, the bacalao restaurants of Spain and the Jewish shtetls of Eastern Europe.

As well as following the historical thread and exploring how very different cultures were drawn together by the salt fish trade, John Goodlad meets those whose lives revolve around the industry in the twenty-first century and addresses today’s pressing themes of sustainability, climate change and food choices.

The twenty-third book in the perennially adored The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series.

Grace Makutsi’s husband, Phuti, is in a bind. An international firm is attempting to undercut his prices in the office furniture market. Phuti has always been concerned with quality and comfort, but this new firm seems interested only in profits. To make matters worse, they have a slick new advertising campaign that seems hard to beat. Nonetheless with Mma Ramotswe’s help, Phtui comes up with a campaign that may just do the trick.

Meanwhile, Mma Makutsi is approached by an old friend who has a troubled son. Grace and Phuti agree to lend a hand, but the boy proves difficult to reach, and the situation is more than they can handle on their own. It will require not only all of their patience and dedication, but also the help of Mma Ramotswe and the formidable Mma Potokwani in order to help the child.

Faced with more than her fair share of domestic problems, Mma Makutsi deals with it all with her usual grace. That, along with the kindness, generosity, and good sense that the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency is known for, assure us that in the end, all these matters will be set right.