Best of
Scotland

1986

Roses Round the Door


Christine Marion Fraser - 1986
    Following the death of her parents, Christine goes to live on a housing scheme with her sister Kirsty, her brother-in-law and niece. But while existence on the housing scheme leaves much to be desired, Christine is as determined as ever to live a full and happy life. With much humour, warmth and charm, Fraser explores the realities of growing up in a wheelchair, as well as her experiences of working in a factory, of finding love, and of beginning what would become a successful writing career. Set against the evocative backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, Roses Round the Door is a heart-warming tale that is every bit as delightful and moving as Blue Above the Chimneys. Praise for Christine Marion Fraser ‘Christine Marion Fraser writes characters so real they almost leap out of the pages… you would swear she must have grown up with them.’ — The Sun ‘Christine Marion Fraser weaves an intriguing story in which the characters are alive against a spellbinding background'— Yorkshire Herald Fraser writes with a great depth of feeling and has the knack of making her characters come alive. She paints beautiful pictures of the countryside and their changing seasons — Aberdeen Express Full-blooded romance, a strong, authentic setting — The Scotsman Christine Marion Fraser (1938-2002) was one of Scotland's best-selling authors. She was the author of the much-loved Rhanna series, a Scottish saga set on the Hebridean island of Rhanna. She also wrote the acclaimed King’s Croft series as well as the Noble series. Christine’s formative years were spent in the post-war Govan district of Glasgow and she spent her later life in Argyll with her husband.

The Stewart Trilogy: Lords of Misrule / A Folly of Princes / The Captive Crown


Nigel Tranter - 1986
    This trilogy, which incorporates Lords of Misrule, A Folly of Prices and The Captive Crown, reveals how the ruling House of Stewart managed to cling to power despite being a family torn by hatred and jealousy.

Scots: The Mither Tongue


Billy Kay - 1986
    It is a passionately written history of how the Scots have come to speak the way they do and has acted as a catalyst for radical changes in attitude towards the language. In this completely revised edition, Kay vigorously renews the social, cultural and political debate on Scotland's linguistic future, and argues convincingly for the necessity to retain and extend Scots if the nation is to hold on to its intrinsic values. Kay places Scots in an international context, comparing and contrasting it with other lesser-used European languages, while at home questioning the Scottish Executive's desire to pay anything more than lip service to this crucial part of our national identity. Language is central to people's existence, and this vivid account celebrates the survival of Scots in its various dialects, its literature and song. The mither tongue is a national treasure that thrives in many parts of the country and underpins the speech of everyone who calls themselves a Scot.

The Glasgow Boys


Roger Billcliffe - 1986
    Led by James Guthrie, John Lavery, Arthur Melville, George Henry, and E.A. Hornel, the Glasgow Boys, as they came to be known, shared an enthusiasm for strong, fresh colors, naturalistic subject matter, and a willingness to travel outside Scotland for subjects and settings. Their enthusiasm for naturalism was equaled only by their dislike of the Scottish arts establishment. In this widely acclaimed book, Roger Billcliffe describes not only the work of the individual artists but also their rejection by local collectors and officialdom before European success caused their work to become much in demand. First published 20 years ago, the book rekindled interest in the group and their work. Now redesigned with more than 200 illustrations in color, it introduces the collective to a new generation of readers and collectors.

Skara Brae: The Story of a Prehistoric Village


Olivier Dunrea - 1986
    Describes the Stone age settlement preserved almost intact in the sand dunes of one of the Orkney Islands, how it came to be discovered in the mid-nineteenth century, and what it reveals about the life and culture of this prehistoric community.

Skye: The Island


James Hunter - 1986
    To the people who live there it is simply an t-eilean, the island, and it occupies an almost mythical place in the minds of many Scots. This book portrays Skye as it really is, with colour photographs by Cailean Maclean.

Birds in Scotland


Valerie Thom - 1986
    Visiting birdwatchers would be foolish to venture north of the border without one." - Habitat.

Go Listen to the Crofters: The Napier Commission and Crofting a Century Ago


A.D. Cameron - 1986
    Full of pictures and anecdotes, it is invaluable for everyone who wants to learn more about Scotland's history, showing both the poverty and joy of crofting life.