News

Alexander McCall Smith reads two new poems for one of his favourite bookshops

Date Published: 5th November 2020

In a normal year Alexander would have visited many of his favourite bookshops around the world as part of his extremely busy events programme. Sadly, these events are all currently on hold and Alexander is greatly missing his conversations with booksellers, including those at one of his favourite bookshops, Daunt’s in London- not to mention […]

Success in the International Photography Awards

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The category winners and finalists in The International Photography Awards, 2020 have been announced and we are delighted to share the news that one of the photographs is of Alexander at home, taken by photographer Douglas Vernimmen. Douglas was awarded 2nd Place in the Editorial / Press / Personality section of the awards. 13,000 entries from 120 countries around the world were received […]

‘Millions of readers globally have Botswana tucked into their hearts and their minds’

Date Published: 9th October 2020

‘Through your efforts Alexander, millions of readers globally have Botswana tucked into their hearts and their minds‘ – Bogolo Kenewendo, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Botswana ‘You have packaged the good news that is Botswana and presented it to the world‘ – Bame Moremong, Executive Director of Brand Botswana Alexander was overwhelmed by the warmth of […]

Ninian’s Gift – A Musical Delight

Date Published: 30th September 2020

The world premiere of the quite beautiful  ‘Ninian’s Gift’, composed by Tom Cunningham with words by our own Alexander McCall Smith, has taken place online as part of the Wigtown Book Festival. ‘Ninian’s Gift’ reflects on the lives of early Scottish saints, including St Ninian who came by sea to Whithorn in the 4th century. Some […]

A Crime Reader’s Guide to the Classics

Date Published: 15th September 2020

Enjoy a Crime Reader’s Guide to The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series – quotes and insights and all the joy of Botswana and Precious Ramotswe. One not to be missed whether you are new to the series or have read every one of these books. The twenty-first book in this series, How to Raise an Elephant, is […]

To the Land of Long Lost Friends – Now Available in Paperback

Date Published: 1st September 2020

In To The Land of Long Lost Friends, the latest book in the widely beloved No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, Precious Ramotswe takes on a case for a childhood acquaintance and finds that family relationships are always a tricky proposition—even for Botswana’s premier female detective. Don’t miss TO THE LAND OF LONG LOST FRIENDS. Now in […]

Planning a Trip to Scotland? Don’t Miss The Great Tapestry of Scotland

Date Published: 20th August 2020

As Covid-19 struck the UK all construction work came to a halt – as it did in most countries of the world. And with government guidance, work stopped on the build of a permanent home for The Great Tapestry of Scotland. We are delighted to report that the building work has restarted and recent photographs […]

Scotland Street Returns to Scotland’s National Newspaper – The Scotsman (read it online)

Date Published: 10th August 2020

44 Scotland Street makes a welcome return to The Scotsman newspaper today – and it will tickle readers every weekday until Christmas (or thereabouts). Scotland Street is back! Click on the link below and read the first episode of the new series of Scotland Street here and follow it daily in print or online. https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/books/new-44-scotland-street-chapter-1-window-binoculars-2936597  It doesn’t matter if […]

Edinburgh’s Isabel Dalhousie is Back (nice chalk work!)

Date Published: 28th July 2020

Edinburgh’s Isabel Dalhousie is back in a new book published today, 28 July 2020 – a welcome treat for all! This is the thirteenth book on the Isabel Dalhousie series. Throw off the (considerable) cares of the world for an hour or two in the company of a good friend – Isabel Dalhousie. The latest […]

Recommended Reading in the Time of Coronavirus – with Alexander McCall Smith

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The wonderful people at Literary Hub have pulled together a list of the books writers have been reading during the Coronavirus months. You can find the full list at the link below. It is the best recommended reading resource around and a fascinating insight into the reading habits of those we most admire. They have included the selection […]

Hand of Hope – Anthem for the Easing of Lockdown

Date Published: 16th June 2020

Today heralds the launch of ‘Hand of Hope’, an anthem to commemorate the progressive easing of lockdown in the United Kingdom and worldwide. ‘Hand of Hope’ celebrates the lives of those lost to COVID-19 and the key workers who continue to work tirelessly every day. It is a song for our times conceived to unite global […]

One Reader brings a Rainbow of Books to add a touch of Brightness in Lockdown

Date Published: 19th May 2020

One reader has sent in a photograph of a bright rainbow made up of Alexander McCall Smith book spines. It brings a touch of colour and light in these dark times. Now, spot the ones you haven’t read! And make your own reading rainbow. Bookshelves will never be the same.