Angus MacDonald, author of the just published ‘ The Secret of Ardnish ’ came to Lomond to sign a vast pile of this book and three others in the Ardnish series . Scottish bestsellers and well-reviewed in the adventure romance genre, they appeal to visitors and locals alike!     “Compelling, Captivating, Extraordinary…”   ‘ Ardnish Was Home ’ , ‘ We Fought For Ardnish ’ , ‘ Ardnish ’ (a prequel) , and the latest book ‘ The Secret of Ardnish ’ are rich in historic and cultural references which provide vivid portraits of the families who once breathed life into the peninsula. Enduring love and human spirit are starkly contrasted by wartime horror, daring escapades and adventure which propel the reader through each story, authenticated with thorough research and accurate detail. Angus says, "I wrote the first of the Ardnish series eight years ago, the wonderful history of this now deserted area just yearned to be written about. Pulling together the stories of the people of the west coast combined with the real life history of the Lovat Scouts, the reconnaissance troops of the British army and of course in each book there is a girl, who inevitably becomes the hero of the story." "The first book started off   ‘Ardnish is where God was born. Anyone who has been there on a day in early May, as the sun sets over Goat Isle, would see why it is a certainty. The peninsula is the most beautiful place on earth: the gentle hills behind the village; the towering mountains of An Stac and Roshven facing us, reflected in the sea on a calm day; the curve of the beach in front; and the islands of Eigg and Rum beyond.. Ardnish was home – it is where I belong – and every day I am away I yearn to return.’ "   "My house looks across the loch at the stunning Ardnish, there isn’t a ruin I haven’t explored, a cliff I haven’t climbed to find out more about the place and its people. The last of them left during the last war, with the diaspora spread across the world. One was even Deputy Premier of Canada.  My grandfather and great grandfather served in the Lovat Scouts in the Boer War, First and Second World wars, kept diaries and wrote detailed letters home….what a wonderful source for a novel writer. "   "The just published ‘ The Secret of Ardnish ’ is very much an Ardnish series book, albeit set in 2016. The grandson of the last person on the peninsula returns from Canada to ‘the old country’, and goes kayaking around the peninsula following the trail of Bonnie Prince Charlies’ gold aided by local girl, Sarah. I hope you enjoy reading these books as much as I did writing them."   Shop YOUR SIGNED COPIES of the Ardnish books  here and don't forget! You always get 10% off your order when you shop with us on our website!

We  are enthralled with this new book - Edinburgh.  It's a fantastic new collaboration between acclaimed photographer Allan Wright and award-winning writer, actor and director Gerda Stevenson . Edinburgh: Allan Wright & Gerda Stevenson Edinburgh is a portfolio of Allan Wright’s wonderful images of Scotland’s capital in collaboration with 22 new poems by Gerda Stevenson, as photographer and poet inspire each to look afresh at the city today. With Edinburgh, Wright and Stevenson take us on a journey of both the expected and unexpected, but with a new perspective that looks behind the familiar to the human stories that make the city what it is. Edinburgh: Allan Wright & Gerda Stevenson Allan Wright has been a professional photographer since the 1980s, and Edinburgh is the his 17 th book in an illustrious career that has seen him travel throughout South East Asia, Australia, North Africa, as well as his native Scotland. Allan says: “The poetry collection featured in this book has, to my mind, interacted with the images to help penetrate the veneer that tends to dominate the city. All those prestigious castings and fine masonry may have collectively created one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, but there were struggles in its making, and so often a human price was paid.” Gerda Stevenson: “…along Middle Meadow Walk, its braid of global colours in full annual swing” Gerda Stevenson’s work has been widely performed, published and broadcast on stage, in print, and on the radio. Previous works include If This Were Real and Quines: in tribute to the women of Scotland , and with Edinburgh she provides a thought-provoking, witty, and above all personal viewpoint to the place she calls home. Edinburgh: Allan Wright & Gerda Stevenson Gerda says “My Edinburgh won’t be your Edinburgh any more than yours won’t be mine. But here in Allan Wright’s Edinburgh, my response to it, and, in turn, his response to mine – the interaction of two perspectives, adding we hope, to the debate about Scotland’s on-going story, our tribute to one of the world’s great capital cities. Richard Holloway writes of this new book: “The combination of Allan Wright’s gorgeous photography and Gerda Stevenson’s searing poetry is a stunning tribute to that magnificent old hypocrite, the city of Edinburgh.” Edinburgh: Allan Wright & Gerda Stevenson Edinburgh by Allan Wright and Gerda Stevenson is available to from Scottish Bookstore now. Click here to order your copies. It's received some rave reviews of late too - "Stunning portrait of Edinburgh. The book is brilliant. Buy it." The National "‘Fabulous, intimate portrait of Edinburgh in new book with poems by Gerda Stevenson of ‘Quines’ fame, matching images by photographer Allan Wright. Not an uncritical, gushing tribute. Perceptive, spirited and loving."  Lesley Riddoch

I'll share with you a secret - I am a urbanite with a passion for all things rural, so this new book is now pride of place on my bookshelf! Following our post about Allan Wright's latest release (if you missed it you can find it here ) this second new release treads a different track from Allan's usual publications. Vintage Tractors, Allan Wright Renowned across Scotland, Allan is widely recognised for his remarkable ability to evoke the soul of the land he so evidently loves and respects. In 'Vintage Tractors' Allan invites his readers to connect with the land once again while joining him on an unusual journey - finding vintage tractors. Many of those 'noble beasts', having served their time, are discovered languishing amidst some of Scotland's most awe-inspiring landscapes or partially concealed in the depths of dilapidated old barns. Some are smothered by bracken. Allan's powerful, thought provoking, sometimes startling images create a unique photographic chronicle of an era almost, but not yet, consigned to oblivion. One man and his dog, Allan Wright 'Vintage Tractors' is available now from Scottish Bookstore at just £8.99. Click here to order your copy now.

Two new books have just arrived in our warehouse - hot off the press from Allan Wright Photography. Here at Scottish Bookstore we are a huge fan of Allan's work, not least the thousands of images featured in the Lyrical Scotland postcard and greetings card ranges we stock. But Allan's latest projects see him return to book form which truly showcases his artistic eye. Allan's appreciation for Scotland's varied scenery is amply evident in these new publications, the first of which celebrates our outermost isles. 'Scotland's Islands' truly captures the best of Allan's work. It's easy to see why he cherishes and continues to thrive on what he calls "the encounter and challenge involved in zeroing in on the moment". Readers of this book will too. Scotland's Islands, Allan Wright Allan is no stranger to Scotland's dramatic seaboard having spent many years as a lens-man, passionate in his quest to discover his own country - onshore and off. Consequently 'Scotland's Islands' features over 160 pages of spellbinding photography, further enhanced by the elegant writing of leading Herald and Guardian journalist and columnist Marianne Taylor. Marianne shares her own intimate experience of exploring many of Allan's featured islands adding a refreshing dimension to this beautiful book - truly a document of out time. Here are just a few of the photographs in this new collection: Isle of Harris, Allan Wright Orkney, Allan Wright Shetland, Allan Wright You can order Scotland's Islands from us now - and as always we are offering 10% off. Just click here to order your copy now! You can also read an interview with photographer Allan Wright on our blog here - www.scottishbookstore.com/blog/allan-wright/

At the top of the new releases list in Scottish fiction this month is this extraordinary and un-put-down-able wartime romance, We Fought for Ardnish . Following the tremendous success of Ardnish Was Home (now on it's 5th reprint), this is a sure-fire hit for the summer. The story focuses on a young Highlander recruited to his local regiment at the beginning of the Second World War, and follows his dangerous liaisons with a Canadian SOE agent. We Fought for Ardnish - Angus MacDonald We caught up with author Angus MacDonald to discuss all things writing, Ardnish and his latest novel - Jenny: Firstly Angus, tell us a bit about your latest novel, We Fought for Ardnish… Angus MacDonald: The book is the sequel to ‘Ardnish was home’, a romantic story about a lad growing up on the remote West Highland peninsula of Ardnish. At the outset of WW2 he joins the local regiment The Lovat Scouts and then switches to the Special Operations Executive (SOE), in order to fight with the French resistance. On a mission in the alps he meets Canadian SOE agent, Francoise who has a mission to complete. Their lives become intertwined; dangerous and romantic... J: Set in the Second World War, how does this differ from your first novel? Did you undertake a lot of research in the period? AM: The baby from the first book becomes the hero of the second. The stories of the highlands and Cape Breton in Canada are true and the details of the Lovat Scouts and SOE are accurate. The characters are fictional however. J: Tell us about Donald Angus and Francoise, the heroine? AM: Donald Angus is a proud, generous and capable lad, brought up in a very simple existence in a crofters house on the shoreline. A legendary bagpiper and soldier who is rapidly promoted, his love for his beloved highlands is completely authentic. Francoise is strong, fearless and very intelligent. Her father is a doctor in Cape Breton, Canada. The deprivations she copes with during her mission behind enemy lines are remarkable. J: Both of your novels are set (in part) in the Scottish Highlands – do you find your surroundings influence your writing? Why does this setting appeal to you? AM: The village on Ardnish is a row of houses along a sandy beach with the islands of Eigg and Rum the view. Its impossible not to marvel at the beauty of this place, its stirs the heart. J: Has your own background in the military influenced your writing? AM: My ability to rise at 3.45 in the morning to write and discipline of focusing and getting on with the job may be a result of time in the army. But the writing is such a pleasure its easy to do really. J: Since you’re not a full time writer – we’d imagine you have a very busy schedule. How do you find time to fit writing in? AM: I write in the winter months, and the early start allows me to do my day job. The editing process as I work with Erica Munro, Jo-Anne MacDonald in Canada and Alison Rae from Birlinn is a long and sometimes painful experience. J: We hear you have a great deal of publicity for your latest release – tell us all! AM: BBC Alba, the Gaelic TV station, and Radio Nan Gaidheal came to visit Ardnish and interviewed me, aired on Monday 9 th July. And BBC Scotland had Janice Forsyth interview me, really thorough and interested questioning. Nevis radio and Oban FM too. Lots of coverage in the regional press as well as The Scotsman so far. The Inverness Courier will run almost a full page along with their many subsidiary newspapers across the north of Scotland in mid July. I'll be at The Edinburgh Festival, Wigtown, Mallaig and Tobermory festivals over the course of the next few months. J: If you had to sum up We Fought for Ardnish in a tweet, how would you describe it? AM: A dangerous war time mission resulting in romance, ‘We fought for Ardnish’ is better than Outlander. J: And if you imagine the reader you think would most enjoy this novel, how would you describe them? AM: Considerate, exciting, loves adventure and the Highlands. J: What's your best piece of writing advice? AM: Just get on and do it, stop talking about it and prevaricating! J: And lastly, if you could only recommend one place in Scotland for someone to visit, where would it be and why? AM: Two miles north of Lochailort on the A830 past the stunning ‘Our lady of the Braes’ church, park in the big lay-by on the left. Peanmeanach is signposted, put on good boots and set along the same route that Donald Angus and the hundreds of people of Ardnish before him walked for two hours to their stunning village. Sit on the rock that Francoise would have as she looked down to where her beloved Donald Angus was brought up. Wave, then walk down to Ardnish and home... We Fought for Ardnish - Angus MacDonald Angus's recommendation sounds truly blissful, as is his writing. We'd highly recommend We Fought for Ardnish as a summer read - it's the perfect mix of nostalgia, romance, escapism and action. It's available from Scottish Bookstore now with 10% off!

Hot off the Conway press is this new guide book with a twist - Take the Slow Road Scotland. Take the Slow Road Scotland It's billed as a collection of inspirational journeys round the Highlands, Lowlands and Islands of Scotland, compiled by 'campervan guru' Martin Dorey. This book celebrates Scotland's best driving routes. It gives details on where to go, where best to stop, where to pitch, what to do out and about and what makes these little pit-stops of Scotland so special. Take the Slow Road Scotland Touring holidays are definitely on the up in Scotland - just look at the popularity of the North Coast 500 route - and this guide will appeal to anyone taking this kind of relaxed holiday. It's a substantial guide in an attractive, chunky format and it's full of photographs and plenty of quirky cartoon maps. And for those of us not lucky enough to own our own home on wheels, there is also a comprehensive directory of rental companies for all areas. Take the Slow Road Scotland This is how the author describes his book - "Welcome to the slow road. Don't rush. There is plenty of time. We have a lot of long, light evenings ahead of us. There are sights to see and people to meet. There are smiles to be smiled. If we do this right the slow road could be everything that you have been looking for." This is undoubtedly going to be a popular guide book for the summer, and it's available now. Click here to find Take the Slow Road Scotland on our website.

Our book of the month for May is hotly anticipated to say the least - we're predicting this is going to be a phenomenally popular book! Outlander's Scotland Outlander has been one of the biggest TV crazes to hit screens in recent years. Since its first airing in 2014, millions of viewers have tuned in to see Claire Randal and Jamie Fraser's time travelling adventures. Scotland's awe-inspiring landscape has taken centre stage in this series, and now Pitkin have compiled this superb guide to the locations that the smash-hit series was filmed. From the ancient cobbled streets, gabled palace and herb garden of Culross in Fife, which became the fictional Cranesmuir, to the iconic 1960s Pathfoot Building at the University of Stirling, which Claire's daughter visits on her first trip to Scotland, visitors too can time travel through centuries. In Scotland, different eras coexist and collide - just as they do in Outlander. Outlander's Scotland - Pitkin The book focuses on easy day trips to take from the characterful cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow - both of which are packed with Outlander filming locations - and offer information on the most rewarding sites, when to visit them and how to get there. Outlander's Scotland - Pitkin As with all Pitkin guides, it's illustrated throughout with quality photographs of the locations themselves and with imagery from the TV series. Add a striking cover to boot, and this is bound to be a big hit all across the country. Outlander's Scotland is published in May 2018 and we'll be selling it on Scottish Bookstore with 10% discount. Keep a watchful eye on our Facebook , Twitter and Instagram to find out when it's available!

We’re really pleased to have added this gorgeous new range of stationery products to our offering, produced by Quadrille and I Like Birds. I Like Birds Stationery Featuring this beautiful artwork, the products feel both vintage and modern, colourful and minimal. The designers are based in Forres on the Moray coast. Swallows Notebook In the range, there is this Swallows on a Line Notebook – an A5 hardback book with orange accents. Flying Puffins Spot & Jot This is the Flying Puffins Spot & Jot notebook, a pocket sized, flip notebook with blank pages and an elastic closure. It also has a little orange pencil that’ll be to hand whenever it’s needed! An Alphabet of Birds Address Book An Alphabet of Birds Address Book has illustrated pages for each letter of the alphabet – quite literally everything from an avocet to a zebra finch. Oyster Catcher Notecards For those who still enjoy the art of letter-writing, or who love to have some quirky cards for any occasion there is this box set of 16 greetings cards in 4 designs. They each come with complementary coloured envelopes. When Puffins Go Shopping… And lastly, this is the When Puffins Go Shopping Gift Wrap Book – with 12 folded sheets of gift wrap in 4 bird themed designs. Each sheet is folded twice with a gummed edge for easy removal. It also includes a set of 12 stickers. The range is in stock now, on the Scottish Stationery page .

We've just received this unique photography collection by Morten Hansen of one of Scotland's most popular destinations - the Isle of Skye. Skye: Cloud Island Ever since it was named by Viking explorers as 'Skio', cloud island, it has been known as much for its reputation as the misty isle, for its clouds, rain and other vaporous conditions, as for spectacular scenery, This collection explores and celebrates the landscape of Skye at its 'cloudiest magnificence'. Photographer Hansen believes that Skye's predominantly sombre weather conditions enhance the natural beauty of the island, one described as 'a place of cloud, mist, mountains, fairies and stupendous views'. The book is presented in three chapters - Sea, Land and Sky. Text throughout is minimal, essential but engaging captions only, allowing the full page photographs to really sing. It's an awe inspiring book that truly reflects the wonder of this island - a must-have. Skye: Cloud Island is available from Scottish Bookstore here

Scotland's 100 Best Walks In this paperback edition of a walking classic, Scotland's 100 Best Walks , renowned outdoor writer and television personality Cameron McNeish presents his favourite one hundred walks across his homeland, celebrating the uniquely beautiful and varied landscape of Scotland. 'By leaving the car behind and walking along a track you begin to appreciate the detail that turns a pretty countryside into a living, vibrant landscape - but leave the track for a faint footpath and you come even closer to the feel of the land.' Cameron describes himself as someone for whom 'walking is a way of life' and there are few people better placed to compile Scotland's greatest rambles, hill walks and mountain trails than him. Scotland's 100 Best Walks covers a wide geographical spread of routes from the Solway Firth to the Shetland Isles. Divided into chapters by region, the book is an ideal guide for any avid walker or visitor to Scotland. Each of the walks is detailed in a route summary with Ordnance Survey references, hill shaded maps, access points, distance, approximate time and difficulty grading. There are also Gaelic pronunciations and translations for hill and place names where appropriate. Scotland's 100 Best Walks Yet this is much more than a factual guidebook - though this is a function it serves well. The main feature of the book is Cameron's descriptive text, which includes his own anecdotes and experiences while acting as guide. His passion for Scotland's natural landscape is abundantly apparent in his words and it is clear that in focusing his mind on choosing the best walks in Scotland, he has included some his favourite places in the world. 'The hills of home still harbour that single element that isn't to be found in the mountains of the greater ranges, or the varied landscapes of Europe or North America. Put simply... it's the Celtic love of a homeland, passed down from father to son since time immemorial.' Scotland's 100 Best Walks Cameron's chosen walks range in length from 3 kilometres to 50 kilomtres and though he may be known first and foremost as a mountaineer, he has included routes to suit any walker and explains that over the years he has come to appreciate that shorter, low level walks can be 'as rewarding as big hill days'. The result is a mixture of inspirational adventures up famous mountainsides and relaxed rambles through woodlands and open spaces - as much a joy to read as they are to walk. Richly illustrated throughout, Scotland's 100 Best Walks features the breath-taking photography of Colin Baxter, one of Scotland's foremost photographers. His images capture the drama and awe of the Scottish mountains, the tranquil calm of lochsides and coastal waters, and the lush greenery of the Scottish lowlands. His photographs are the perfect accompaniment to Cameron's fond and evocative descriptions of these most spectacular walks. Scotland's 100 Best Walks is in stock and available to order now.