If it Wasn't for the Midges: Malky McEwan's Number One Guide to SCOTLAND
Malky McEwan
Independently Published
2018
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Kaleidoscope Down UnderBook Review: If it Wasn't for the Midges is the latest book by our very own Scottish policeman, Malky McEwan. I found it to be every bit as entertaining as his Quora posts.Now I'm looking at Scotland through another set of eyes-those of Malky McEwan, a retired policeman-and Malky's eyes sparkle with humour and a love for his country.I had expected If it Wasn't for the Midges to be a straight travelogue. Boy, was I ever wrong. The book is alive with personal anecdotes that give it a unique fascination.This book is not a dry tramp through Scotland, but a tour in which the reader has time to meet the people as well as see the sights. Written by a man who has spent a lifetime in the country he obviously loves, it will delight you: it is a book sprinkled with fairy dust.As I discovered, Scotland is a place where history and the modern world co-exist. The side trips into the past and its characters, are as interesting as the interaction with the locals Malky met during his journeys. The humour is infectious and the writing style intimate. It's a good read.David EvansEXPLORING SCOTLAND WITH A SENSE OF HUMOURFollowing on from his three hilarious police memoirs, Malky has turned his attention to Scotland. He's zipped around the country by train, car, bike, and on foot, to showcase the best his country offers.Chronicles of old, tales anew, sights to behold and things to do. All served with Malky's usual dollop of insight and twists of humour.Scotland has been around a long time - judging by the state of the roads. There are mountains, lochs and castles to admire. Cities full of majestic buildings and baronial art. There are clean, pale-blue waters with white sandy beaches on which to sun yourself. Well, maybe not sun yourself, but they are nice to peek at through the hood of an anorak.In any one lifetime, it would be hard to visit every spot of interest in Scotland. The book captures the TREASURE TRAILS and these TREASURE TALES will surprise you. Amid all the beauty, Malky serves up his amusing observations on life.As a practical guide: Which beers are best? What whisky is as good as a 15-year-old malt at half the price? Where can you get the tastiest soup? Why do you get puppy hugs at the cosiest B&B?'If it wasn't for the Midges'is a delightful book that makes you smile. You will probably enjoy these tales because Scotland is full of rich gems and it is worth coming just to taste the tap water.
