Modern Scottish Collections

A huge variety of books were added to the modern Scottish collections at the National Library of Scotland this week, including Arthur’s Seat: journeys and evocations by Stuart McHardy and Donald Smith. Published by Luath Press, this book is a fascinating look at the history and folklore of Edinburgh’s most distinctive natural landmark.

From one fascinating Scottish hill to another – Fraser Hunter and Kenneth Painter examine the hoard of silver discovered on East Lothian’s Traprain Law in Late Roman silver: the Traprain treasure in context. Full of wonderful photographs, this Society of Antiquaries of Scotland publication looks at the late Roman economy, society and at the use of silver in the Roman world.

Other recent additions include several children’s books in Scottish Gaelic. Spùinneadairean Dubh Na h-Oidhche is a tale of pirates by Peter Harris and Deborah Allwright, and An Coileach Cadalach by Nuala Nic Con Iomaire and Donough O’Malley is the entertaining story of a sleepy farmyard cockerel. Both books are published by Acair.

And finally, for those of you looking for a new knitting project, why not Knit your own Scotland? Jackie Holt and Ruth Bailey’s book provides patterns to allow you to knit your own Andy Murray, Billy Connolly, Scotch pie, Tunnock’s teacake and much more. Knit your own Scotland is published by Black and White.

Another wide selection of Scottish material was received by the National Library of Scotland this week, including new editions of Hasty death and Snobbery with violence in the Edwardian murder mystery series by M.C. Beaton, one of the pen-names used by prolific Scottish author Marion Chesney.

Perhaps a handy guide to have if you’re in Edinburgh for the Festival, Camra’s Edinburgh pub walks by Bob Steel suggests various walking routes in and around Edinburgh, with details on local history, attractions and public transport, as well as comprehensive information on some of the best pubs in the city.

Celtic mythology, fairy stories and the history and landscape of Scotland are all inspirations for Wolf notes and other musical mishaps, a children’s book set in the Highlands by Scottish author and storyteller Lari Don. Lari was born in Chile but has lived in Scotland since she was a child and is currently based in Leith.

Continuing the Leith connection, two books on the history of Hibernian Football Club were also received this week. There is a bonny fitba team : fifty years on the Hibee highway by Ted Brack examines the history of the club through the eyes of a life-long supporter from 1958 through to the present day. The golden years : Hibernian in the days of the famous five by Tom Wright follows the fortune of the team from the 1931 to 1961. You can find more references to items about Hibs on Scottish Bibliographies Online.