Scots Tales Tae Warm Your Heart This Christmas

Blogmas Day 3

It’s that time of year again – chilly winds, frosty mornings and the perfect excuse to curl up wi a guid book by the fire. Aye, Christmas is comin, and what better way to celebrate than wi' some Scottish tales that’ll warm the cockles o yer heart. Fae ancient Greek tragedies reimagined in Scots to gritty tales o modern Scotland, there’s something for awbody. And for this very special Blogmas, ye can get a special discount at the end o this blog

Keep reading to the end for an exclusive discount on our Scots range, available until Christmas Eve!

Aeschylus’ Agamemnon in Scots by William Imray
Start yer festive readin wi a true gem: William Imray’s Scots translation o’ Agamemnon, the first play in Aeschylus’ Oresteia trilogy. Written in the ancient Greek, this tragedy tells the tale o King Agamemnon, his return fae the Trojan War, and his tragic end at the hands o his wife, Clytaemnestra.

Imray’s translation is pure magic – he’s captured the rhythm, pace and soul o the original text wi a Scots twist. Ye’ll find yersel pulled into the drama, the tension and the timeless themes o revenge and justice. This version brings the ancient Greek world alive in a language that’s as poetic as it is powerful.

But n Ben A-Go-Go by Matthew Fitt
If yer after somethin a wee bit different, why no try But n Ben A-Go-Go by Matthew Fitt? Set in 2090, this post-apocalyptic science fiction novel is set in a Scotland submerged by global flooding. The remaining humans live on floating islands, clinging to life in the Highlands. A tale o danger, paranoia and survival, this is a page-turner that’ll hae ye gripped from start to finish.

Fitt takes Scots to a new level, energising the language in a world where it’s needed most. The atmospheric setting, the strong characters and the dramatic twists – ye cannae help but feel the pulse o Scotland in this visionary future.

Saut & Bluid: A Scotsaga by Donald Smith
For those who love a story rooted in Scotland’s rich history and legends, Saut & Bluid is the perfect fit. A riveting Scotsaga, it blends historical fiction wi traditional storytelling to create an epic tale. The book follows Skald the Ferryman, a storyteller fae Pittenweem, as he weaves the tale o the Maid of Norway and the mighty whirlpool o Corryvreckan. Smith’s vivid writing brings Scotland’s past to life, set against the backdrop o the medieval world.

A perfect read for anyone keen on Scotland’s lore and legend, this book will hae ye hooked wi its rich language and deep-rooted storytelling.

The Tongue She Speaks by Emma Grae
The Tongue She Speaks is a modern coming-of-age tale set in Glasgow, following Cathy, a fifteen-year-old girl navigating high school life. In this poignant novel, Grae takes us into the struggles o a young wuman tryin tae find her voice in a world that’s nae always kind. Written in a raw, honest Scots, Cathy’s story resonates wi readers of aw ages. The characters are richly drawn, and the battles Cathy faces wi bullying, self-doubt and fitting in are all too relatable.

A tale o friendship, love and finding yer place in the world – The Tongue She Speaks captures the essence o Glasgow and the spirit o youth in a way that’s not tae be missed.

Collier Laddie by Rab Wilson
A powerful reflection on the miners' strike, Collier Laddie is a deeply moving collection o poems and diary entries by Rab Wilson, taken and inspired fae his time as a miner during the 1984–1985 UK Miners' Strike. Wilson’s work brings the grit, resilience and spirit o the working-class community to life. His intimate knowledge o the struggles and sacrifices made by miners shines through in every verse.

A must-read for anyone interested in Scotland’s industrial history and the ongoing fight for justice. A true ode to the resilience o the people who fought to make their voices heard.

Unlocking Scots: The Secret Life of the Scots Language by Clive Young
Finally, for those curious aboot the language itsel, Unlocking Scots is a must-read. Dr. Clive Young uncovers the fascinating history o Scots, a language rich in character and heritage, yet often overlooked. From the earliest days o Scots to its place in modern Scottish identity, Young takes us on a journey through centuries o linguistic evolution.

With a focus on the power o Scots to connect people and places, this book is a celebration o Scotland’s hidden treasure. A great gift for anyone interested in the language and its future.

These books are perfect gifts for Christmas, bringing the heart o Scotland into the homes o readers far and wide.

To thank you for joining us on this journey, we’re delighted to offer a 10% discount on all our Scots books when you shop with us before midnight on Christmas Eve. Use the code BLOGMAS10 at checkout to claim your discount.

Wishing you a literary Christmas filled with stories to cherish and share.