Times Crossword Book

I’ve visited Scotland only intermittently since my family lived there a couple of decades ago so my knowledge of ‘must-see’ places is way out of date and, as a result, some of the descriptions here were almost unrecognisable to me - St Andrews as an example would appear to be very different these days, Edinburgh too. So this guide is perfect for someone like me. I think it perhaps caters for people who do already know Scotland at least a little rather than complete strangers - it is light-hearted in tone and that is one of its major attractions but I imagine some of its wry observations would be lost on first-time visitors.

I like the way it is organised, area by area to some extent, but also into categories countrywide. There are categories like best spas, real ale pubs, fish & chip shops, for example. The ones I was particularly taken with, though, are those for narrower interests - the best wild swimming holes, the important literary places, great garden centres being just a few. The author doesn’t claim to be presenting a comprehensive guide to absolutely every little place in Scotland, but to be pointing out the best places in his opinion, and he has visited and compared most of them. All very subjective, of course, but if you get the immediate impression that you would get on with the author in person (as I did), then there is a good chance that you’ll like his recommendations.

I was skimming through an e-book version which didn’t feature the accompanying maps but I can only assume the experience would be greatly enhanced by viewing it via the new app on a phone or tablet. Next time I visit Scotland I’ll be sure to download that.

With thanks to Collins Reference via NetGalley for the opportunity to download an ARC.