THE BEST OF SCOTTISH BOOKS

Meredith Maggs hasn’t left her house in 1,214 days. But she insists she isn’t alone . . .

She has her cat Fred. Her friend Sadie visits when she can. There’s her online support group, StrengthInNumbers. She has her jigsaws, favourite recipes, her beloved Emily Dickinson, the internet, the Tesco delivery man and her treacherous memories for company.

But something’s about to change. Whether Meredith likes it or not, the world is coming to her door . . . Does she have the courage to overcome what’s been keeping her inside all this time?

Keep trying, keep laughing, keep dancing! A heart-warming novel from the Blue Peter Book Award shortlisted author of DANNY CHUNG DOES NOT DO MATHS Twelve-year-old Lizzie Chu lives in Glasgow with her grandad Wai Gong, and he’s been acting a little strange lately. He is becoming forgetful, and spends a lot of time talking to his statue of Guan Yin – the Chinese goddess of compassion, kindness and mercy. Lizzie is worried about Wai Gong, but doesn’t really know what to do to help him. She’s already got a lot on her plate with caring for him, doing the shopping and everything else on top of schoolwork and the usual trials of being twelve! Then Lizzie comes up with a madcap plan. She’s going to take Wai Gong on the trip of a lifetime, to Blackpool – to the Tower Ballroom, where he always longed to go, to dance with his late wife Grandma Kam. To rekindle that love for dancing and to see if Wai Gong can find his mojo again. The only problem is – just how on earth is she going to get him there? With a little help from her friends Chi and Tyler, some ingenious costumes and an older brother with a beat-up Mini, Lizzie might just make it – and maybe she will be able to help Wai Gong get better after all? A moving, humorous, and uplifting intergenerational story for fans of Frank Cottrell Boyce and Benjamin Dean.

Invaluable wisdom on living a good life from one of the Enlightenment’s greatest philosophersDavid Hume (1711-1776) is perhaps best known for his ideas about cause and effect and his criticisms of religion, but he is rarely thought of as a philosopher with practical wisdom to offer. Yet Hume’s philosophy is grounded in an honest assessment of nature-human nature in particular. The Great Guide is an engaging and eye-opening account of how Hume’s thought should serve as the basis for a complete approach to life.In this enthralling book, Julian Baggini masterfully interweaves biography with intellectual history and philosophy to give us a complete vision of Hume’s guide to life. He follows Hume on his life’s journey, literally walking in the great philosopher’s footsteps as Baggini takes readers to the places that inspired Hume the most, from his family estate near the Scottish border to Paris, where, as an older man, he was warmly embraced by French society. Baggini shows how Hume put his philosophy into practice in a life that blended reason and passion, study and leisure, and relaxation and enjoyment.The Great Guide includes 145 Humean maxims for living well, on topics ranging from the meaning of success and the value of travel to friendship, facing death, identity, and the importance of leisure. This book shows how life is far richer with Hume as your guide.

Throughout the world there exists an enduring fascination with our ancestry – who we are and where we come from. Nowhere is this more evident than with the generations of Scots who over the centuries have left their native Scotland to create a new life in the New World – North America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.The Scots are a remarkable race with a justifiably proud history and culture which they have successfully passed on through generations. This compact book sets out to identify the larger Scottish clan and family names, their tartans, septs (dependent family names), heraldic crests, mottos, ancestral lands and allegiances.This book features full colour photographs of each tartan as opposed to digital reproductions, allowing readers to see both the textures and patterns.

‘An outstanding mystery thriller… Noir fans won’t want to miss it’ – Publishers Weeky (Starred)’A riveting, brutal journey into the high stakes world of legacy art and inherited wealth’ – Denise Mina, author of the Garnethill trilogy and The Long DropThe Goldenacre – a masterpiece by the painter and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh – has been given to the people of Scotland. The beautiful canvas, the last work by the artistic genius, enthrals the art world, but behind it lies a dark and violent mystery.Thomas Tallis, an art expert with a trouble past, is trying to uncover the truth about the painting’s complex history, while dogged newspaper reporter Shona Sandison is investigating a series of shocking murders in Edinburgh.Both investigators soon become engulfed in the machinations of money, crime and identity in a literary thriller set amid the seen and unseen forces at work in modern Scotland.

Studying Scots Law provides a highly readable account of the educational and training requirements for entry into the Scottish legal profession and provides essential information on law courses throughout Scotland as well as giving useful advice on study skills. Studying Scots Law provides law students with an invaluable source of reference throughout their studies.The new edition provides invaluable information on how the approach to teaching and studying has changed during Covid restrictions and the facilities universities have put in place to support students during this time.As well as a general background it also provides guidance on:- The nature and forms of legal education and what to expect from a study of the law- Advice on applying to university, studying, essay writing and exams- Treatment of electronic sources for study and research- Information on education funding

This book traces the development of the Scottish Presbyterian mission from 1824 until the formation of the Bantu Presbyterian Church of South Africa in 1923 as the first South African outcome of the three-self movement. It considers the development of this autonomous church, supported by the Free Church of Scotland until 1929, and the Church of Scotland thereafter in the light of its ongoing missionary purpose until its union with the Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa in 1999. Drawing from archival sources, Graham A. Duncan documents the history of South African Christianity in the context of racial segregation and apartheid. The book foregrounds the distinguished history of Scottish Presbyterianism in South Africa. It also presents a significant part of the church history of Scotland, beyond its borders, highlighting the important role played by indigenous Christians in the growth of global Christianity.

*A 2022 Book to Look Forward To in the Evening Standard*Justice can be a blunt instrument”Men like him usually tell the story.In business.Politics.Media.But not this time: I repeat, he is not writing this story.”Ritchie Gulliver MP is dead. Castrated and left to bleed in an empty Leith warehouse.Vicious, racist and corrupt, many thought he had it coming. But nobody could have predicted this.After the life Gulliver has led, the suspects are many: corporate rivals, political opponents, the countless groups he’s offended. And the vulnerable and marginalised, who bore the brunt of his cruelty – those without a voice, without a choice, without a chance.As Detective Ray Lennox unravels the truth, and the list of brutal attacks grows, he must put his personal feelings aside. But one question refuses to go away…Who are the real victims here?

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER: an uplifting account of hope and healing by GP Gavin Francis’I cannot think of anybody – patient or doctor – who will not be helped by reading this short and profound book’ – Henry Marsh’Such a wise, gentle, quietly hopeful book. Exactly what I needed’ – Rachel Clarke’A lovely little book’ – Michael RosenWhen it comes to illness, sometimes the end is just the beginning. Recovery and convalescence are words that exist at the periphery of our lives – until we are forced to contend with what they really mean.Here, GP and writer Gavin Francis explores how – and why – we get better, revealing the many shapes recovery takes, its shifting history and the frequent failure of our modern lives to make adequate space for it.Characterised by Francis’s beautiful prose and his view of medicine as ‘the alliance of science and kindness’, Recovery is a book about a journey that most of us never intend to make. Along the way, he unfolds a story of hope, transformation, and the everyday miracle of healing.

Buddy Baker is more than just a second rate Super Hero he s also a family man and animal rights activist. Now, as he tries to jump-start his crimefighting career, he experiences visions of aliens, people transforming into strange pencil-like drawings, and hints of a terrible crisis lurking around the edges of reality. And as his odyssey of self-discovery gives way to spiritual enlightenment as well as the depths of despair, Buddy meets his maker: a writer named Grant Morrison.

Whatever Next? considers adult adoptive identities and how traditional narratives surrounding adoption have both dominated and damaged these communities. Brought together by the Whatever Next? team, they will explore these key tropes and how the conversation is evolving, with the goal to start new dialogues around the experience adoption more broadly, and showcase how beneficial shared discussion can be.

Escape to the Isle of Skye this winter with bestseller Lisa Hobman, for this brand new wonderfully romantic read. After the heartbreak of a secret unrequited love, Millie Treadaway has finally found someone to spend her life with.Harry Rose is handsome, successful and treats her like a princess. That is until Millie presents her fiance with a surprise birthday gift, and their future is suddenly doomed.Eight months later Millie returns to Glentorrin on the Isle of Skye for her best friend Jules’ Christmas wedding. Heartbroken, single and heavily pregnant.Staying in Lifeboat Cottage with Jules’ brother, kindhearted Dexter, she’s given up on love and resigned herself to be the best single Mum ever.But a shock phone call from Harry leaves her reeling and doubting herself and her decisions.Do second chances work? Or is Dexter, right? That she deserves much more?Can the festive spirit in Glentorrin, and a little stray Jack Russell terrier, heal her heart?Or is she fated to remain a member of the lonely-hearts club forever?Praise for Lisa Hobman:’I love it! – escape to the beautiful Isle of Skye with this feel-good, uplifting story of lost love and second chances…’ Holly MartinSimply gorgeous. An uplifting story of two broken individuals trying to find the courage to take a chance on love again’ Jessica Redland’A really uplifting, feel-good read about hope, love and second chances, that really did warm my heart.’ Kim Nash’A gorgeous, heart-warming romantic journey, reminds us to never give up on love…’ Lucy Coleman’You will fall in love with this story of fresh starts and mending broken hearts’ Mandy Baggot’A heart-breakingly beautiful story of love and loss set in the stunning village of Glentorrin. Be prepared to fall in love over and over again.’ Nancy Barone’What a beautiful read this was. I was rooting for Juliette from the first page. Lisa handled some tough subjects with a delicate and deft touch. I’m ready to escape to Skye!’ Sarah Bennett

The coming of age story of an award-winning translator, Homesick is about learning to love language in its many forms, healing through words and the promises and perils of empathy and sisterhood. Sisters Amy and Zoe grow up in Oklahoma where they are homeschooled for an unexpected reason: Zoe suffers from debilitating and mysterious seizures, spending her childhood in hospitals as she undergoes surgeries. Meanwhile, Amy flourishes intellectually, showing an innate ability to glean a world beyond the troubles in her home life, exploring that world through languages first. Amy’s first love appears in the form of her Russian tutor Sasha, but when she enters university at the age of 15 her life changes drastically and with tragic results.

“Croft moves quickly between powerful scenes that made me think about my own sisters. I love how the language displays a child’s consciousness. A haunting accomplishment.” Kali Fajardo-Anstine

The compelling story of over 5,000 years of Scottish art, told by Lachlan Goudie, renowned contemporary Scottish artist, broadcaster and presenter of BBC Four’s ‘The Story of Scottish Art’.This is the story of how Scotland has defined itself through its art over the past 5000 years, from the earliest enigmatic Neolithic symbols etched onto the landscape of Kilmartin Glen to Glasgow’s fame as a centre of artistic innovation today. Lachlan Goudie brings his perspective and passion as a practising artist and broadcaster to narrate the joys and struggles of artists across the millennia striving to fulfil their vision and the dramatic transformations of Scottish society reflected in their art.The Story of Scottish Art is beautifully illustrated with the diverse artworks that form Scotland’s long tradition of bold creativity: Pictish carved stones and Celtic metalwork; Renaissance palaces and chapels; paintings of Scottish life and landscapes by Horatio McCulloch, David Wilkie and Joan Eardley; designs by master architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh; and collage and sculpture by Pop Art pioneer Eduardo Paolozzi. Lachlan tells the compelling story of how and why these and many other Scottish masterpieces were created, and the impact they have had on the world.

The definitive text on floating charges by Scotland’s leading experts The floating charge is vital to secured transactions in Scotland and plays a key role in access to finance and corporate insolvency. Bringing together leading commentators at the forefront of the topic, this book delivers wide-ranging coverage of the history, theory, practice, and potential reform of the floating charge. It presents diverse approaches, including examining floating charges from ‘black letter’, socio-legal, law and economics, and comparative perspectives.

The ghosts of the past will not be silenced.Glasgow, 1983, and a beat constable walks away from a bar where he knows a crime is about to be committed. It is a decision that will haunt him for the rest of his life.In the present, an old fisherman is found dead by Kinloch’s shoreline and a stranger with a deadly mission moves into town.As past and present collide, D.C.I. Jim Daley must confront old friends, new foes and ghosts who will not be silenced.SOON TO BE A MAJOR TV SERIES’In high demand across the globe . . . A runaway hit . . . Readers instantly warm to Daley’ – Daily Mail’Dark humour has helped to make his books world-famous’ – The Times

The fifth edition of this highly regarded text explains all the basic principles relating to Scots criminal law, taking account of ongoing changes in substantive law, including the continuing influence of human rights.The fifth edition takes account of latest case law developments and important new legislation including the Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2019 and the Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Act 2019.Coverage is also given to the establishment of the Scottish Government’s Victim Taskforce to focus on a victim-centered legal approach, trauma informed practice and key aspects of the legal response to gender-based violence.The main common law and statutory offences are covered under the following sections- Offences against the person- Social protection offences- Property offences- Offences against the state and administration of justice

‘A warm, funny, uplifting writer to celebrate!’ KATIE FFORDEIf you love Lucy Diamond, Phillipa Ashley, Sue Moorcroft and Holly Martin, you’ll LOVE Erin Green’s novels of love, life and laughter!’A lovely, heart-warming story . . . I was hooked!’ CHRISTINA COURTENAY’A delightful tale of friendship, family and love’ JENNI KEER’Thoroughly entertaining. The characters are warm and well drawn’ SUE ROBERTS…………………………………………………………………New friendship is just a stay away . . .Pippa has long felt like the odd one out in her family. Taking a job driving a mobile bakery van around Shetland’s villages gives her a sense of freedom and purpose, but also makes her realise how much she wants to belong.Natalia has recently returned to Lerwick hoping to reconnect with an old flame. But she’s engulfed by loss and rejection when she hears that he’s moved on, and Natalia’s world is turned upside down.Autumn is dedicated to her job in hospitality and relishes her role as general manager of Lerwick Manor’s new hotel. No guest request is too big or too small, but her own unrelentingly high standards could push Autumn to her limits.Will the beauty of Shetland help these three women find the friendship, support and healing that they all need?…………………………………………………………………’Wow! Reading this book was like comfrey tea. The more it fermented the better it got’ 5 * reader review’What a lovely and uplifting read. I really really enjoyed it. Definitely one of my faves from 2021…!’ 5 * reader review’A perfect heartwarming read which has provided a great escape’ 5 * reader review’Loved this thoroughly feel good read & now I’m just off into my garden to plant some carrot seedlings!’ 5 * reader reviewDon’t miss any of Erin Green’s gloriously uplifting reads in Lerwick – look out for From Shetland, With Love; From Shetland, With Love at Christmas and A Shetland Christmas Carol – perfect for any season!You are invited to holiday at gorgeous Rose Cottage – where friendship, home comforts and romance are guaranteed . . . look for New Beginnings at Rose Cottage – out now! ‘Utterly charming . . . an uplifting and optimistic story’ Hot Brands Cool PlacesIf you don’t ask you’ll never know . . . don’t miss Taking a Chance on Love – out now!(P)2022 Headline Publishing Group Limited

.During the latter half of the twentieth century the Gothic emerged as one of the liveliest and most significant areas of academic inquiry within literary, film, and popular culture studies. This volume covers the key concepts and developments associated with Twentieth-Century Gothic, tracing the development of the mode from the fin de siecle to 9/11. The eighteen chapters reflect the interdisciplinary and ever-evolving nature of the Gothic, which, during the century, migrated from literature and drama to the cinema and television. The volume has both a chronological and thematic focus and particular attention is paid to topics and themes related to race, identity, marginality and technology. Chapters on ecogothic, Gothic Studies as a discipline, Medical Humanities, Queer Studies, African American Studies and Russian Gothic ensure that the collection is up-to-date and wide-ranging. Suggested further readings at the end of each chapter are intended to facilitate further independent research by readers and researchers.

*A 2022 Book to Look Forward To in the Evening Standard*Justice can be a blunt instrument”Men like him usually tell the story.In business.Politics.Media.But not this time: I repeat, he is not writing this story.”Ritchie Gulliver MP is dead. Castrated and left to bleed in an empty Leith warehouse.Vicious, racist and corrupt, many thought he had it coming. But nobody could have predicted this.After the life Gulliver has led, the suspects are many: corporate rivals, political opponents, the countless groups he’s offended. And the vulnerable and marginalised, who bore the brunt of his cruelty – those without a voice, without a choice, without a chance.As Detective Ray Lennox unravels the truth, and the list of brutal attacks grows, he must put his personal feelings aside. But one question refuses to go away…Who are the real victims here?