THE BEST OF SCOTTISH BOOKS

This unique work represents the recording and analysis of oral history interviews conducted by the pioneering general practitioner Dr Hetty Ockrim with over seventy patients, as well as office staff and members of the nursing team, between 1989 and 1992 in her former practice in the Ibrox/Govan areas of Glasgow, places of significant socio-economic deprivation. Her focus in undertaking this study was on personal and social, rather than just clinical, issues. The interviews are accompanied by background and commentary for the study, reflecting the full breadth of general practice. Many of the interviewees had memories stretching back before the NHS, providing a unique historical perspective of service development, as well as invaluable directions for improving current and future general practice.Key features:Provides a historical context for the developments in health over several decades prior to the studyShows how oral history methods have increasingly been used in medical history research and explores the benefits of this approachCovers many of the themes of the oral history which enabled and encouraged patients to comment on what was important to them in their encounters with health careFollows the increasing acceptance of women in medicine, demonstrating how women doctors were viewed by patients within the practice compared to changes in wider societyPresents a ‘history from below’, using voices that are not normally heard in the medical discourse, illustrating the importance of the doctor-patient interfaceSupporting a wider understanding of what patient narratives can tell us about the delivery of health care from the perspective of the patients, the front-line users of health services, the book show how oral history can provide an understanding of health care more broadly, key at a time when social inequality is once again widening in many regions.

This is a history of navies in the Baltic Sea and its approaches, from the Skaggerak to the Gulfs of Bothnia and Finland. Throughout history, navies have naturally supported civil society and the prosperity that international trade brings.Two navies in particular have played a significant role in the Baltic and this book portrays the relationship between the Swedish and British Navies over the centuries. In the 1700s Britain was a global naval power and developed doctrine, ships and culture which were copied by others, but the relationship with Sweden became special. While Britain and its navy depended upon Baltic Sea trade for timber, tar, iron and cereals, the foundation was laid for the Swedish Navy, its self-image, tactics, materials and traditions.Many of these interactions have centred around thrilling, colourful, strong individuals, and many are the stories of how their good sense and good judgement created friendship and trust, rather than discord and conflict. These collected accounts demonstrate how British naval officers have had an influence on the development, not only of the Swedish Navy, but also of Sweden itself. Only once during the centuries have the two countries been officially at war with each other, but not a shot was fired.

This Insight Guide is a lavishly illustrated inspirational travel guide to Scotland and a beautiful souvenir of your trip. Perfect for travellers looking for a deeper dive into the destination’s history and culture, it’s ideal to inspire and help you plan your travels. With its great selection of places to see and colourful magazine-style layout, this Scotland guidebook is just the tool you need to accompany you before or during your trip. Whether it’s deciding when to go, choosing what to see or creating a travel plan to cover key places like Glen Coe, Stirling Castle, it will answer all the questions you might have along the way. It will also help guide you when you’ll be exploring Mull or discovering Burns National Heritage Park on the ground. Our Scotland travel guide was fully-updated post-COVID-19.The Insight Guide SCOTLAND covers: Edinburgh; The Borders; The Southwest; Forth and Clyde; Glasgow; The West Coast; Skye; The Inner Hebrides; The Outer Hebrides; Central Scotland; The East Coast.In this guide book to Scotland you will find:IN-DEPTH CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL FEATURESCreated to provide a deeper dive into the culture and the history of Scotland to get a greater understanding of its modern-day life, people and politics.BEST OFThe top attractions and Editor’s Choice featured in this Scotland guide book highlight the most special places to visit.TIPS AND FACTSUp-to-date historical timeline and in-depth cultural background to Scotland as well as an introduction to Scotland’s food and drink, and fun destination-specific features.PRACTICAL TRAVEL INFORMATIONA-Z of useful advice on everything, from when to go to Scotland, how to get there and how to get around, to Scotland’s climate, advice on tipping, etiquette and more.COLOUR-CODED CHAPTERSEvery part of the destination, from Skye to Shetland has its own colour assigned for easy navigation of this Scotland travel guide.CURATED PLACES, HIGH-QUALITY MAPSGeographically organised text, cross-referenced against full-colour, high-quality travel maps for quick orientation in Edinburgh, Glasgow and many other locations in Scotland.STRIKING PICTURESThis guide book to Scotland features inspirational colour photography, including the stunning Loch Lomond and the spectacular Iona.FREE EBOOKFree eBook download with every purchase of this travel guide to Scotland to access all the content from your phone or tablet, for on-the-road exploration.

Navigate your way in and around Glasgow with this detailed and easy-to-use A-Z Street Atlas.Printed in full-colour, paperback format, this A4 atlas contains 168 pages of continuous street mapping. More than 23,000 streets indexed.The main mapping extends well beyond central Glasgow at a scale of 5.4 inches to 1 mile, featuring postcode districts, one-way streets and park and ride sites.Areas covered include Hamilton, Motherwell, Paisley, Clydebank, Coatbridge, Airdrie, Renfrew, Kirkintilloch, Dumbarton, Milngavie, Cumbernauld, Johnstone, Barrhead, East Kilbride, Larkhall, Carluke.The large-scale street map of Glasgow city centre is at a scale of 10.82 inches to 1 mile.The atlas also includes:* Postcode map of the Glasgow area* Road map of the Glasgow area* Diagrammatic map of rail and subway connectionsA comprehensive index lists streets, places & areas, industrial estates, selected flats & walkways, junction names & service areas, stations and selected places of interest.

A revealing picture of a time when Britain was losing its empire. It draws on letters written at the period by an airman, his vivid memories and experiences from the Canal Zone, Kenya during Mau Mau times, Cyprus and Jerusalem. His time encompassed conducting church services, being shipwrecked, numerous wildlife encounters and the formation of many lifelong friendships.The Canal Zone was no easy life and 50 years later a medal was awarded when the government was forced to admit it was deserved and to confess its own political chicanery in the events. Hamish paints a picture of the highs and lows of RAF life, a station being run down in Egypt, working in oppressive heat and now and then being shot at!He saw the Windrush a week before it exploded and sank in the Mediterranean; both the Windrush story and that of building the Suez Canal are detailed in an appendix. There is much to find in this story including background histories to events and the politics of the time. As a whole it provides a fascinating account of the era.

Originally published in 1991 and focussing on the countryside, this book examines patterns of settlement and agriculture in Scotland and considers how these were increasingly altered during the 17th and 18th Centuries by the first Improvers and then by the more widespread impact of the Agricultural Revolution. It considers the effect on the landscape of the changing role of the church, the development of improved communications and the rise of new industries. The book analyses in detail the ways in which the landscape changed in Scotland’s transition from a medieval, impoverished country and an undeveloped economy to a modern society and one of the most highly urbanised countries in Europe.

Peter McAuslan heeded Mormon missionaries spreading the faith in his native Scotland in the mid-1840s. The uncertainty his family faced in a rapidly industrializing economy, the political turmoil erupting across Europe, the welter of competing religions-all were signs of the imminent end of time, the missionaries warned. For those who would journey to a new Zion in the American West, opportunity and spiritual redemption awaited. When McAuslan converted in 1848, he believed he had a found a faith that would give his life meaning.A few years later, McAuslan and his family left Scotland for Utah, but soon after he arrived, his doubts grew about the religious community he had joined so wholeheartedly. Historian Polly Aird tells the story of how McAuslan first embraced, then came to question, and ultimately renounced the Mormon faith and left Utah. It would be the most courageous act of his life.In Mormon Convert, Mormon Defector, Aird tells of Scottish emigrants who endured a harrowing transatlantic and transcontinental journey to join their brethren in the valley of the Great Salt Lake. But to McAuslan and others like him, the Promised Land of Salt Lake City turned out to be quite different from what was promised: droughts and plagues of locusts destroyed crops and brought on famine, and U.S. Army troops threatened on the borders. Mormon leaders responded with fiery sermons attributing their trials to divine retribution for backsliding and sin. When the leaders countenanced violence and demanded absolute obedience, Peter McAuslan decided to abandon his adopted faith. With his family, and escorted by a U.S. Army detachment for protection, he fled to California.Mormon Convert, Mormon Defector reveals the tumultuous 1850s in Utah and the West in vivid detail. Drawing on McAuslan’s writings and other archival sources, Aird offers a rare interior portrait of a man in whom religious fervor warred with indignation at absolutist religious authorities and fear for the consequences of dissension. In so doing, she brings to life a dramatic but little-known period of American history.

Ben loves grizzly bears so much that he wants a real one for his birthday.Instead, he gets a toy cuddly bear. Making the best of the situation, Ben triesto teach Cuddly Bear how to eat honey, fish and climb a tree like a grizzlybear.However, Cuddly Bear is soon covered in honey, soggy and stuck in a tree!Every time the toy bear cannot do something, Ben gets more and moregrizzly. So completely grizzly that he grows furry ears, a shiny black nose,paws, a furry coat, claws and a round tail.Ben becomes a grizzly bear.What will it take for Grizzly Ben to become Ben again?We are thrilled to publish the first picture book from best-selling, awardwinningillustrator Alex Ayliffe and successful screen, radio writer and authorAlan Dapre.This gorgeously quirky tale of a grumpy and grizzly little boy will capture yourheart, with Alex’s illustrations, which are full of energy and vitality, taking thereader on a familiar journey from tantrums to tucked up in bed.A story with relatable themes of companionship, friendship, feelings, emotionsand love.Perfect for your grizzly little bears.

This unique work represents the recording and analysis of oral history interviews conducted by the pioneering general practitioner Dr Hetty Ockrim with over seventy patients, as well as office staff and members of the nursing team, between 1989 and 1992 in her former practice in the Ibrox/Govan areas of Glasgow, places of significant socio-economic deprivation. Her focus in undertaking this study was on personal and social, rather than just clinical, issues. The interviews are accompanied by background and commentary for the study, reflecting the full breadth of general practice. Many of the interviewees had memories stretching back before the NHS, providing a unique historical perspective of service development, as well as invaluable directions for improving current and future general practice.Key features:Provides a historical context for the developments in health over several decades prior to the studyShows how oral history methods have increasingly been used in medical history research and explores the benefits of this approachCovers many of the themes of the oral history which enabled and encouraged patients to comment on what was important to them in their encounters with health careFollows the increasing acceptance of women in medicine, demonstrating how women doctors were viewed by patients within the practice compared to changes in wider societyPresents a ‘history from below’, using voices that are not normally heard in the medical discourse, illustrating the importance of the doctor-patient interfaceSupporting a wider understanding of what patient narratives can tell us about the delivery of health care from the perspective of the patients, the front-line users of health services, the book show how oral history can provide an understanding of health care more broadly, key at a time when social inequality is once again widening in many regions.

This book takes the reader on a pictorial journey; in time from the early 1970s to 2020 and to places all around Scotland. All of the images are published for the first time. The captions reflect the author’s recollections and experiences from the platform end to more hands on railway adventures. As well as the everyday railway, there are insights into the preservation scene and steam on the main line.Starting in the days of BR blue and progressing through sectors to privatisation the reader will find pictures of liveries, locomotives, rolling stock and infrastructure that are no longer with us; inter city livery, BRCW class 26s, HAA coal wagons and Semaphore signals at Stirling being examples. From a base in Edinburgh we travel to locations across the country from Wick to Carlisle, from the scenic majesty of the West Highlands to the industrial Central Belt. There we will see; diesels and electrics in a selection of liveries on freight and passenger workings, steam on the main line and visit sheds, stations and preserved lines. This includes some more unusual places such as Cameron Toll, Prestongrange and The Isle of Mull and buildings that have been demolished such as Mallaig steam shed, Grangemouth shed and Millerhill diesel depot.This book will provide; reference material, nostalgia for some enthusiasts, a look back in time for others and for modellers, inspiration for their projects. So come and enjoy the journey.

This expert-curated guide book to Orkney shines a spotlight on a more unusual British city break, with a wealth of practical information on what to see and do. Each area or neighbourhood featured in this Orkney travel guide is explored in-depth with detailed coverage of the points of interest, shops, restaurants, cafes and bars on offer. Excursions to surrounding areas give plenty of options for those looking to enjoy a longer stay. This Orkney guide book has been fully updated post-COVID-19.The Pocket Rough Guide to ORKNEY covers: Stromness and around, West Mainland, Hoy, Kirkwall, East Mainland, Lamb Holm, Burray, South Ronaldsay, Rousay, Egilsay, Wyre, Westray, Papa Westray, Eday, Sanday, Stronsay, North Ronaldsay, Shapinsay.Inside this travel guide to Orkney you will find:RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELLERExperiences selected for every kind of trip to Orkney, from off-the-beaten-track adventures in Stronsay to family activities in child-friendly places, like North Ronaldsay or city breaks in popular tourist areas, like St Magnus Cathedral.INCISIVE AREA-BY-AREA OVERVIEWSCovering Stromness and around, West Mainland, Hoy, Kirkwall, Wyre and more, the practical ‘Places’ section of this Orkney travel guide provides all you need to know about must-see sights and the best places to eat, drink, sleep and shop.TIME-SAVING ITINERARIESThe routes suggested by Rough Guides’ expert writers cover top attractions like Tomb of the Eagles and Maeshowe, and hidden gems like Old Man of Hoy and Castle o’Burrian.DAY-TRIPSVenture further afield to Westray or Egilsay. This travel guide to Orkney tells you why to go, how to get there, and what to see when you arrive.HONEST INDEPENDENT REVIEWSWritten with Rough Guides’ trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, our expert writers will help you make the most of your trip to Orkney.COMPACT FORMATPacked with pertinent practical information, this Orkney guide book is a convenient companion when you’re out and about exploring Skara Brae.ATTRACTIVE USER-FRIENDLY DESIGNFresh magazine-style layout, inspirational colour photography and colour-coded maps throughout this Orkney travel guide.PRACTICAL TRAVEL INFORMATIONIncludes invaluable background information on how to get to Orkney, getting around, tourist information, festivals and events, plus an A-Z directory.FREE EBOOKFree eBook download with every purchase of this guide book to Orkney to access all the content from your phone or tablet, for on-the-road exploration.

*FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF CONVICTION* ‘Such a delight: playful, fast-paced, and entirely compulsive’ Ann Cleeves ‘Denise Mina is crime writing royalty’ Val McDermid ‘Denise Mina is the cream of the crop, an author who pushes the crime novel in new and exciting directions’ Ian Rankin DECEPTION. THEFT. MURDER. ALL YOU NEED IS CONFIDENCE. When amateur film-maker Lisa Lee vanishes from a Scottish seaside town, journalists Anna and Fin find themselves at the centre of an internet frenzy to find her. But she may not be the hapless victim everyone thinks she is. The last film she made showed her breaking into an abandoned French chateau and stumbling across a priceless Roman silver casket. The day after Lisa vanishes the casket is listed for auction in Paris, reserve price fifty million euros, with a catalogue entry that challenges the beliefs of a major world religion. On a thrilling chase across Europe to discover what happened to Lisa, Anna and Fin are caught up in a world of international art smuggling, billionaire con artists and religious zealotry. But someone doesn’t want them to find the missing girl… and will do anything to stop them. PRAISE FOR CONVICTION: ‘If you loved Killing Eve, you’ll devour Conviction’ Erin Kelly’ You won’t be able to put Conviction down’ Reese Witherspoon’ Denise Mina gets to the heart of what crime really is. You feel like you are right there, in all the dark nooks and crannies that her characters inhabit’ Karin Slaughter

In the packed queue for a popular West End Theatre in 1920s London, the crowd surges forward as the doors open at last… But as they do so, one of their number falls to the ground – a man, stabbed in the back with a stiletto while people jostled for position in the throng. There is nothing in the man’s clothes or wallet to identify him, and nothing in his pockets but a revolver… Who is he and who killed him before melting away unseen into the night?Inspector Alan Grant investigates, and soon is engaged in a breathless manhunt that will lead him from London all the way to the Scottish highlands and back, before the mystery is finally resolved in a way that not even he can anticipate.

After 20 years working as a professional biologist, the author decided to ‘retire’ to the Highlands, moving with his wife to a croft at the edge of a small and somewhat inaccessible village on the west coast. This was no romantic and idealistic aspiration for the Good Life, nor really an attempt to ‘get away from it all’; rather a growing disaffection with living in the overpopulated south of England and a desire to return to his Scottish roots. Moving was like stepping back 50 years in time: most of the other residents of this tiny hamlet had been born and bred there, the majority were Gaelic-speaking and, with few of the conventional ‘services’, there was a strong sense of community that had been missed.This engaging story gives a collection of cameos from those first few years as they moved into and settled in their remote smallholding. It is developed as a series of short ‘anecdotes’ about life in this isolated west-coast Scottish community. Actual anecdotes are interwoven with snippets of natural history observation related to various topical wildlife issues.In the tradition of Lillian Beckwith’s The Hills is Lonely, the stories revolve around the strong characters who made up this isolated community and became part of their everyday life. All the people and events described in this book are real, although places and names may have been changed. Enough clues remain that professional biologists or those with a keen interest in natural history will readily identify the peninsula.It is a joy to read and reveals Highland life with all its humour and character. Beautifullly illustrated by wildlife artist Catherine Putman.

‘In pencil-written and drawing-spattered notebooks intended for her Australian granddaughter, an elderly woman, now in Edinburgh, remembers and relives her Hebridean childhood. The community thus recreated is one where modernity – its emblem the Electricity of Angus Peter Campbell’s title – collides and overlaps with all sorts of linguistic, cultural and other continuities. But this is no sentimental or elegiac excursion into a long-gone past. What’s evoked here is a powerful sense of what it was, and is, to grow up amid family, neighbours and surroundings of a sort providing, for the most part, both security and happiness.’JAMES HUNTER

Where did the name Loch Ness come from, and how did Cherry Island come to be? When have the waters run red with blood?From history to fauna, this book is great for locals and visitors alike. Known throughout the world for its legendary inhabitant, Loch Ness has inspired folklore and fascination in the hearts of those who visit it for centuries. But what of the characters, the history and the myths which enchanted inhabitants and travellers alike long before the first sightings of the so-called Loch Ness Monster?Katharine Stewart takes us on a journey through the past and the politics, the heroes and villains, and the natural beauties that are the true source of the magic of Loch Ness.

A stunning celebration of the rich culture and fascinating history of Scotland featuring six Scottish illustrators. Discover everything that makes Scotland so special – from it’s iconic landmarks to its magical myths and spooky ghost stories, from its bloody battles and its rich culture… and everything in between.

With a foreword from much-loved Scotswoman Lorraine Kelly.

Beautiful, full-colour illustration makes this the perfect gift. Showcases the talent of six of Scotland’s top illustrators. Sections include: The Story of Scotland – illustrated by Hazel Dunn; City and Country – illustrated by Jill Calder; Warring Scotland – illustrated by Catriona Phillips; Haunted Scotland – illustrated by Helen Kellock; Legendary Scotland – illustrated by Lauren Morsley; The Culture of Scotland – illustrated by Katie Smith

Celebrate 10 years of Sugarlump and the Unicorn, written and illustrated by the bestselling partnership, Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks, with this special anniversary edition featuring the much-loved story and brand new bonus content.When Sugarlump the rocking horse longs to see the world, a magical unicorn with a silver horn and sparkling blue eyes grants his wish and turns him into a real horse. But after trotting around the farm, galloping around a racetrack and even dancing at the circus, Sugarlump learns to be careful what he wishes for. Luckily the unicorn has one more wish to grant . . .Includes a specially written letter, images and photos from the author and illustrator about how they came up with the idea for the story and characters.Enjoy all the stories from Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks: Sharing a Shell, The Princess and the Wizard, The Rhyming Rabbit, The Singing Mermaid, Princess Mirror-Belle and the Dragon Pox and the bestselling, What The Ladybird Heard series.

Tartan Angels sheds light on the work of the Scottish Ambulance Unit (SAU) and the crucial part it played in British medical and humanitarian aid to Spain. In the eighty-five years since the outbreak of the civil war an immense historiography has developed. A steady widening of focus has seen the inclusion of studies that address the intense and prolonged suffering of a civilian population affected by political repression, relentless military bombardment, deprivation, and disease. Likewise, focus has shifted to those who provided assistance to victims during and after the conflict. To date, academic emphasis has been on the left-wing politics behind such endeavours, with too little attention given to the humanitarian responses themselves. Tartan Angels embraces this argument in its focus on the Scottish Ambulance Unit, an enterprise that was arguably apolitical in nature and comprised of individuals inspired, above all, by compassionate and unselfish motives. However, the reputation of the Unit suffered irreparable damage as a result of a series of incidents and events that still remain not fully explained or understood. Furthermore, there were those who used controversy and rumour to deliberately undermine the fundraising efforts of the Units patron and supporters. There is much still to be learned about the creation and the functioning of the SAU an outstanding but largely overlooked humanitarian gesture on behalf of the people of Scotland to those suffering the effects of a brutal civil war in Spain.