Bizarre Scotland


Book Description

From the world's oldest indoor loo to a theatre where spectators fill their pockets with poo, the definitive guide to the stranger side of Scotland shows there's a lot more to the place than tartan, haggis and tossing the caber. Inside you'll find: The world's longest man-made echo A city where aliens are welcome What the Royals really think of it Britain's weirdest wig The worst Scottish accents ever Our tallest hedge and oldest tree Loch monsters nastier than Nessie A road you can roll up Scots in Space Whether it's Ruthven or Ruthven? Britain's loneliest bus stop (and its loveliest) A school for spies The cost of burning witches An aeroplane made from seaweed . . . and why the Queen needs rubber gloves Praise for Bizarre London: 'In a market niche that's now as crowded as the 18:22 to Reading, Bizarre London pummels its bantamweight rivals with knockout clouts of trivia that even this weary correspondent hadn't encountered before.' The Londonist




Bizarre Scotland


Book Description

From the world's oldest indoor loo to a theatre where spectators fill their pockets with poo, the definitive guide to the stranger side of Scotland shows there's a lot more to the place than tartan, haggis and tossing the caber. Inside you'll find: The world's longest man-made echo A city where aliens are welcome What the Royals really think of it Britain's weirdest wig The worst Scottish accents ever Our tallest hedge and oldest tree Loch monsters nastier than Nessie A road you can roll up Scots in Space Whether it's Ruthven or Ruthven? Britain's loneliest bus stop (and its loveliest) A school for spies The cost of burning witches An aeroplane made from seaweed . . . and why the Queen needs rubber gloves Praise for Bizarre London: 'In a market niche that's now as crowded as the 18:22 to Reading, Bizarre London pummels its bantamweight rivals with knockout clouts of trivia that even this weary correspondent hadn't encountered before.' The Londonist




Bizarre World


Book Description

Atlas Obscura meets 1001 Facts to Scare the Sh*t Out of You in this serious survey of the most bizarre, creepy, and sometimes hilarious customs from cultures around the world. Every culture handles life differently. From the “blackening of the bride” in Scotland and the custom of not looking babies in the eyes in Kenya, to enlisting geese as part of the police squad in China and the tradition of children eating bread with chocolate sprinkles for breakfast in Amsterdam, there are so many unique behaviors all across the world. In Bizarre World, journey across the globe to understand how various cultures approach everything from grief, beauty standards, food, parenting, death, stress management, happiness, and more. Many customs may seem perfectly sane, while others, not so much. Some are just downright strange, funny, or weird. There’s so much to discover about the people around us and the beliefs they hold. Let Bizarre World be your armchair guide to a different way of life with quick facts and “did you knows?” that will leave you saying, “huh, that’s strange.”




Scottish History: Strange but True


Book Description

This book contains hundreds of 'strange but true' stories about Scottish history. Arranged into a miniature history of Scotland, and with bizarre and hilarious true tales for every era, it will delight anyone with an interest in Scotland's past.




Bizarre Laws & Curious Customs of the UK


Book Description

‘An endlessly fascinating journey through the extraordinary laws that have shaped every aspect of British society from Anglo-Saxon times to the present day. Impeccably researched and engagingly, often humorously written, it delivers so many jaw-dropping moments that I found it impossible to put down. A truly remarkable book.’ - Tracy Borman - Chief Curator for HM Historic Royal Palaces, Author, historian & broadcaster In the UK, we have some bizarre laws that have littered the statute books of our sceptred isle throughout history. Not all of them have been repealed over the centuries. Some of them made perfect sense at the time they were introduced but seen through modern eyes, now appear archaic and draconian. Despite the great efforts of the Law Commission in England and Wales to review and recommend reforms for many of these outdated laws, there are centuries of law that must be painstakingly gone through. As well as some bizarre laws, the UK also has its fair share of curious customs and time-honoured traditions that have been observed for centuries. On the surface, many appear to be nothing more than theatrical pomp and pageantry. However, they are all born from strong rationale. The UK parliament seems to have had a particular penchant for passing laws related to fish and animals, indecency and passing sentences with some humiliating public punishments. This book is a highly entertaining read for anyone who enjoys learning about the more bizarre applications of UK law throughout the centuries, along with some rather macabre consequences along the way. Have you ever heard a bizarre law and thought, that can’t possibly be true? Is it genuine? Was it ever in existence or just an urban myth that became so embellished over time? There are surprisingly, a great many laws still in existence on the statute books today, that would make your jaw drop. Whilst bizarre as these laws may now seem to us, it begs the question, are we in fact, unknowingly breaking these laws on a regular basis? For example… It is illegal to cause a nuclear explosion? Are you required to talk to the police? Is Knock and Run illegal? Was it illegal to grow a beard? Do all swans belong to The King? …all these questions and more will be answered in this Volume 1 of a 3 volume series by Monty Lord. Reading this book, you may be inclined to laugh heartily, let out a sorrowful cry or recoil in abject horror at some of the more gruesome sentences passed for breaking these weird laws. With over 300 bizarre but nevertheless true, laws and customs, you can use this book to satisfy your curiosity about what our ancestors had to contend with over the years, or perhaps as a reference guide for trivia quizzes.




Bizarre


Book Description




Human Rights and Scots Law


Book Description

This book by a team of academics, judges and distinguished practitioners discusses the implications of the incorporation of the ECHR into Scots law.




Paddle Scotland


Book Description

The definitive guide to seeing all the wonders of Scotland under paddle power. Scotland is one of the most appealing destinations for kayakers, canoeists and paddleboarders from all over the world. That's because if there is one country best seen from the water, it is Scotland. Loch Ness contains more water than all of the rivers and lakes in England and Wales combined – and there are 27,000 other lochs to explore as well. What's more, with 125,000km of rivers and 800 islands, there's always somewhere new to paddle. And the spectacular Scottish scenery only adds to the appeal. This book is the complete guide to paddling the wonderfully varied waterways, lochs, rivers and coasts of Scotland, compiled by Ally Findlay, a paddleboard instructor and tour guide based in Glasgow. He covers all regions of Scotland: - South Scotland, including the coast at Kirkcudbright and Fleet Bay, and inland to Loch Ken, and the Galloway Canoe Trail - Central Scotland, including Loch Lomond and the beautiful Trossachs National Park - East Coast Scotland, including the Forth Bridges - West Coast Scotland, from the coast at Arasaig to lochs and rivers including the amazing Rannoch Moor - Scottish Highlands, which become a magical playground in the northwest following the Inverpoly routes From short paddles to day trips into the stunning wilderness, this book covers excursions for all occasions and all levels of ability, explaining where to begin and what to look out for. Most are well suited to canoe and kayak, but going further, some are even better explored standing up on a paddleboard, including cross-Scotland routes such as the Shin System. With beautiful and evocative photography, and clear maps, this is the essential guide to seeing Scotland under paddle power, exploring where to go, how to get there and what to see en route.




Jack's Strange Tales Collection


Book Description

All six books in 'Jack's Strange Tales', a series by Jack Strange, now in one volume! Strange Tales of Scotland: Strange Tales of Scotland all deal with a particular aspect of Scottish mysteries. You'll learn of the ghost that appeared at the wedding of King Alexander II, of monsters such as the Shellycoat and Water-horse that were thought to inhabit Scotland’s lochs. Another part deals exclusively with Loch Ness, and the strange happenings at that mysterious body of water. Later, we have a look at the mysterious deaths at the Flannan Islands Lighthouse, and at the strange creatures that were once believed to infest the hills and glens of Scotland, including the terrifying brollachan and the slaugh. It's A Strange Place, England: This small book looks at some of the strange things that make England unique, starting with the English language itself and looking at concepts such as sports, ghosts and the English love for eccentricity - like the sportsman who rode his horse naked. There is also the impressively masculine Cerne Abbas Giant, to which women once flocked when they wished to become pregnant. The mysterious Stonehenge also deserves its part in this book. From Robin Hood to highwaymen and smugglers, English folk tales take some very ruthless people and turn them into heroes that they most certainly were not. Finally, there's a cheerful chapter that looks at pubs, which figure prominently in many English tales and are a part of modern culture all over the world today. The Strangeness That Is Wales: This book looks at the strange legends, tales and ghosts of Wales. Although the stories are intended to entertain as much as educate, the historical facts are accurate. Included are stories on ghosts - both real and fake - and the legend of King Arthur. Welsh animal lore, customs, monsters and music are also examined. One of the strangest villages in the world gets a chapter to itself, as do witches, miners and druids. The book is written in a personal, light-hearted style, with geographical references to help identify the places. Hopefully, you will come away with a different view on Wales - and a smile on your face. Strange Tales of the Sea: What lurks beneath the waves, and onboard the most mysterious of ships? Get ready to experience the lore and lure of the sea with these myths, legends and true stories. Centuries-old folklore and tales of haunted vessels. Sea monsters and ghosts. Cannibalism at sea, and mysterious disappearances. Included are also tales of sailors ashore, and the prostitutes and crimps that preyed on them. Find out what happened to stowaways, how they were treated, and about the myth that women were not welcome on ships. Strange Ireland: In Ireland, truth, folklore, mythology, and legend are indistinguishably interwoven into a Celtic knot of strangeness. From fact to fiction and the peculiar to the bizarre, unravel some of Ireland’s most curious lore: the Blarney Stone kissing ceremony, the giant behind the Giant’s Causeway, the escapades of Saint Patrick, and the myths of the 1690 battle of the River Boyne among many others. Among the twenty-six chapters each detailing a unique Irish oddity, discover the history of Emerald Isle in a new light. More Strange Scotland: More Strange Scotland is a collection of anecdotes, facts, folklore and legends about the strangeness of that little nation on the western fringe of Europe. From fairies to witches and the frightening water horses, Scotland has a host of legends. Add haunted castles, strange pub names and devilish people to the mix, sprinkle with Aberlour spirits and the mists of Skye and then open the book. If ghostly bagpipers and unseen river monsters don’t scare you off, then you may revel in the stories from this most strange of all countries.




Never and Forever Scotland


Book Description

She never wants Scotland to change. He never wanted to be in Scotland at all. A family curse, though, says otherwise. Ainslie Campbell’s life should be idyllic. She has a fulfilling career as a respected and well-loved veterinarian in her hometown., the adoration of three imperfect cats and a happy dog named after a TV star, and the gorgeous landscape of the Scottish Highlands to comfort her. She also has debt growing by the day, a house about to be sold from under her, and guardianship of her rebellious – and also pregnant – teenaged sister. But there is a glimmer of hope: Catrione Kerr, her feisty godmother, invites Ainslie to move into Craigwarren, Catrione’s family home, and one of Ainslie’s favorite places. There’s one catch. She’ll have to temporarily share the house with an American businessman and Catrione’s long-lost heir, Ewan Portman. Ewan, like his father before him, has no desire to live in Scotland. Ever. He’s already had to put his dream career on hold to sort out this unexpected and unwanted inheritance. Eager to get back to the States and his well-ordered life, he’d prefer to walk away from the old pile, despite the objections of his mesmerizingly beautiful Highland housemate. Scotland, however, has its own plans, and soon ancient legends of a kelpie in Craigwarren’s loch, a brownie sprite who lives in the barn, and a family curse only he can break, immerse Ewan in an unfamiliar, but enchanting world that leaves both his dreams and his heart vulnerable to Highland magic . . . and most especially Ainslie. Except Ewan can’t stay in Scotland forever, not with his future at stake. Nor can he fix all Craigwarren’s problems, no matter how desperately he might want to. Even Highland magic has limits to its power. Doesn’t it?




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