WINTER: THE STORY OF A SEASON (HB)

Val McDermid celebrates winter and takes us on a trip across Scotland, from the streets of Edinburgh to the windblown west coast; through celebrations including Bonfire Night and Christmas, Burns Night and Up Helly Aa. She remembers winters from childhood: the thrill of whizzing over a frozen lake on skates, carving a neep (swede) for Halloween and being taken to see her first real Christmas tree in the town square. Above all, she shows us that winter is a time of rest, retreat and creativity.