Great Scots, A Very Peculiar History looks at a whole host of great (and not so great) Scots and their influence on the world. The book features a short history of each person, detailing their achievements, personalities and lifestyles in a quirky and memorable way. Including chapters about Scots in power, scientific Scots, scandalous Scots and many, many more, Great Scots, A Very Peculiar History celebrates the men and women who have helped to shape Scottish history.
This is a little guide to 101 notable Scots throughout history, from ancient times to modern day. Included are: John Logie Baird, Robert Burns, Alexander Fleming, Chris Hoy, Eric Liddell, Charles Macintosh, Jack Vettriano, William Wallace...
In 1944, Glasgow received one of the greatest gifts ever made to any city in the world: a collection of over 6,000 artworks of many types spanning centuries and civilisations. The benefactors were Glasgow-born shipping magnate Sir William Burrell and Constance, Lady Burrell. Burrell's business success him to amass an extraordinary collection, which he housed in the family home at Hutton Castle in the Scottish borders. When he decided to leave the collection to the nation, he considered donating it to London-based galleries before deciding on Glasgow Corporation, together with the residue of his estate to provide a suitable building. It was many years before the right location was found, and The Burrell Collection finally opened in 1983. This new biography is based on recent research, full access to the Burrell archive and in-depth knowledge of the collection. Sir William was a complicated and private man who shunned publicity, adored his wife, but had a tumultuous relationship with his daughter. In politics Conservative, he campaigned for better housing conditions as long as this didn't cause further expense to the taxpayer. The authors take a candid and considered view of who William Burrell the man was, what sparked his passion for collecting, and what his gift continues to mean to the city.
In landmass and population, Scotland is a fairly small country but in terms of making an impact on the world throughout history, she has regularly punched above her weight. This small reference work highlights Scotland's key movers and shakers: political leaders, inventors, engineers, doctors, writers, kings, artists, sports personalities, singers, actors... Brief biographical data is given for each entry. Updated edition.
Newly revised, updated, and redesigned for 2016. True to its name, DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Top 10 Scotland covers all the country's major sights and attractions in easy-to-use "top 10" lists that help you plan the vacation that's right for you. This newly updated pocket travel guide for Scotland will lead you straight to the best attractions the country has to offer, from the streets of Edinburgh and the windswept highlands and lochs to golf trips and whisky tours to impromptu ceilidhs in cozy pubs. Expert travel writers have fully revised this edition of DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Top 10 Scotland. + Brand-new itineraries help you plan your trip to Scotland. + Maps of walking routes show you the best ways to maximize your time. + New Top 10 lists feature off-the-beaten-track ideas, along with standbys like the top attractions, shopping, dining options, and more. + New typography and fresh layout throughout. You'll still find DK's famous full-color photography and museum floor plans, along with just the right amount of coverage of the country's history and culture.
Scotland’s maritime heritage is a highly significant one, embracing as it does a quite outstanding contribution to Britain’s development both as an empire and as the world’s leading maritime power in the nineteenth century. Scottish engineering, ship owning and operating, as well as business and entrepreneurial skills, played a major part in the success of the Merchant Navy, while Scottish emigrants took skills to every corner of the world, creating trade and wealth both abroad and at home. In terms of engineering, ‘Clyde-built’ was the Kite Mark for the shipbuilding industry the world over. Scottish shipowners included household names such as Allan, Anchor, Donaldson and Henderson, while Scotsmen were instrumental in founding and, for much of the time, managing Cunard, British India, P & O, Orient, Glen and many other ‘English’ companies. The author tells an exhilarating story of energy and inventiveness, describing the remarkable navigational skills of the highlanders and the technological and business skills of the lowlanders, and relates the early development of the steamship, the impact of emigration, the involvement with exploration and the development of trade routes, and the final flowering of the world’s last great iron sailing ships. And the evidence is still here, in the Cutty Sark, the Denny test tank at Helensburgh, and the Burrel Collection at Pollock, all reminders of a remarkable story.
The new, full-colour Rough Guide to Scotland is the definitive travel guide to this gem of a country. In-depth coverage of its burgeoning food scene, artistic innovations and awe-inspiring wild places - from remote, Gaelic-speaking islands to untamed, ruggedly beautiful glens - takes you to the most rewarding spots, with striking colour photography bringing everything to life. Whether you're wild camping or staying in chic B&Bs, you can discover adventure and solitude in equal measure with our expert advice on where to spot wild dolphins, stunning hikes to deserted beaches and the best places to slurp seasonal oysters and "nose" original whiskies. The guide includes clear maps and insider reviews to take you straight to the best hotels, restaurants, bars and music venues for all budgets, ensuring that you won't miss a thing. Scotland is heaven for "slow travel", but the guide also includes extensive coverage of the country's premier cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow, plus details on all the best places to ski, surf and mountain bike if you fancy picking up the pace a little. Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to Scotland. Now available in ePub format.
