Little Book of Scottish Clans


Book Description

Provides an account of some of the commonest Scottish names; it sheds light on their historical origins, gives indications of their geographical distribution and provides details of prominent family members. Includes clan tartans.




The Little Book of Scottish Rain


Book Description

Bleeters come and bleeters go, they never, never stay -if it's not raining nowmore rain is on the way.It's widely reported that Eskimos have over 50 words for snow. Given the equivalent ubiquity of rain in Britain's northern climes, it is not surprising that Scots have coined just as many (and possibly many more) expressions for the many different types of precipitation that fall from our skies.In this book Ron Butlin introduces 50 of the most colourful Scottish words for rain in humorous and memorable verse, imaginatively accompanied with illustrations by Tim Kirby.




The Little Book of Scotland


Book Description

The Little Book of Scotland is a funny, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of the sort of frivolous, fantastic or simply strange information which no-one will want to be without. Discover the most unusual crimes and punishments, eccentric inhabitants, famous sons and daughters and literally hundreds of wacky facts. Geoff Holder's latest book contains historic and contemporary trivia including such gems as the real story of William 'Braveheart' Wallace, which king was murdered in a barn, and where the Second World War Commandos were formed. From Sir Walter Scott to Sir Sean Connery and Queen Victoria to Mary Queens of Scots, this is a remarkably engaging little book, essential reading for visitors and Scots alike.




The Little Book of Scotland


Book Description

Land of spectacular landscapes, rich history and fabulous legends. With its jaw-dropping beauty, magnificent architecture, superb art and culture, and friendly, hospitable people, Scotland is consistently ranked as one of the world's best-loved destinations. Packed full of fabulous facts, as well as wise and witty quotes from famous Scots, The Little Book of Scotland captures the nation at its glorious best. Covering everything from sparkling lochs and brooding castles to spellbinding legends and famous sons and daughters – not to mention tartan, haggis and whisky – it's a wonderful celebration of this vibrant, extraordinary land. 'This is a city of shifting light, of changing skies, of sudden vistas. A city so beautiful it breaks the heart again and again.' - Alexander McCall Smith, on Edinburgh 'There are two seasons in Scotland: June and winter.' - Billy Connolly The Edinburgh International Festival is one of the largest performing arts festivals in the world. It attracts over 300,000 people annually. Scotland has more than 790 islands, 94 of which are inhabited. One of its most famous and spectacular is the enchanting Isle of Skye. It is the second-biggest island, though it has more sheep than people. Scotland's national dish is the much-loved haggis. It is made with the heart, liver and lungs of a sheep, which are boiled in the animal's stomach.




The Little Book of Scottish Beasties


Book Description

Scotland is renowned for the huge range of its wildlife, which comes in all shapes and sizes. In this book Tim Kirby introduces 45 of them, from the iconic red deer and golden eagle to the Highland cow and ubiquitous midge. In addition, he offers his take on animals of myth and legend, such as the world-famous Loch Ness Monster and the mysteriously watery kelpies. And he also includes other creatures which may or may not be classed as animals in the conventional sense - such as the haggis (rarely seen alive but eaten every Burns Night) and even the bagpipe (surely some kind of animal given its appearance and piercing call).




Naughty Little Book of Gaelic


Book Description

Scottish Highlanders, and their descendants all over the world, are no better and no worse than any other people where "sinful" behaviour is concerned. Standards of morality and social conventions changed dramatically during the 19th century - and most of the people engaged in recording and commenting upon Highland life and tradition were puritanical ministers and priests who left out the racy bits. So, while there are many useful books that provide a wide range of Scottish Gaelic vocabulary to express many aspects of daily life - except, for the most part, the topics covered in this book.




The Little Book of Scotland


Book Description

The Little Book of Scotland is a funny, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of the sort of frivolous, fantastic or simply strange information which no-one will want to be without. Discover the most unusual crimes and punishments, eccentric inhabitants, famous sons and daughters and literally hundreds of wacky facts. Geoff Holder’s latest book contains historic and contemporary trivia including such gems as the real story of William ‘Braveheart’ Wallace, which king was murdered in a barn, and where the Second World War Commandos were formed. From Sir Walter Scott to Sir Sean Connery and Queen Victoria to Mary Queens of Scots, this is a remarkably engaging little book, essential reading for visitors and Scots alike.




The Healers


Book Description

Scotland offers almost unique opportunities for medical historians. For a conventional history, there is a rich stock of famous doctors and their discoveries. There are also the contributions of four ancient universities and three equally old colleges of physicians and surgeons. For historians of public health there is the famous struggle against the problems of the industrial revolution and the lives and works of the great sanitary reformers in Glasgow and Edinburgh. For the social historian there are equal opportunities in the diversity of the health care in the Highlands and Lowlands, the rich traditions of Scottish folk medicine and the interactions of Scottish and English medical practice. Much else can be learnt in relating Scotland's great innovative periods to her cultural and political state at the time. It is perhaps surprising therefore that there are no up-to-date accounts of any of these aspects of health and health care in Scotland. . . . there are now many new sources available and new questions to be asked. -from the Introduction In this book, author David Hamilton explores new sources and evaluates the rich history of medicinal practices in Scotland. Thus, for historians both of medicine and of Scotland, this study is necessary to more fully understand the country's history.




Scottish Miscellany


Book Description

With Scottish Miscellany, author Jonathan Green lets you revel in the fun and fascinating explanations behind Scottish traditions and folklore, giving you the answers to questions you’ve always had—or never knew you had—and more as he covers all aspects of Scotland. From Scottish culture to the ancient history of the country to modern pastimes, this book has all that and more. Learn why the thistle is the floral emblem of Scotland, how Scotch whisky is made, why the Scots celebrate Hogmanay, how to play the bagpipes, and much more. This delightful book is the perfect gift for anyone planning a visit to Scotland, with an interest in Scottish history, or a drop of Scottish blood.




A Little Book of the Green Man


Book Description

Who is the green man who stares down enigmatically for the corbels and capitals of churches across Europe? He has been linked to Robin Hood, Pan, the Oak King and the Holly King. For such a blatantly Pagan image to have persisted in Christian churches all over Europe surely implies a tremendous power and significance.