Yow can get my book "Riddoch on the Outer Hebrides" in most good bookshops and I spotted these on my travels.
These are the folks at Loch Croispol Bookshop and Restaurant. You can order through here.
These are the guys at Scottish Amazon - you can order here.
And finally, 
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Ron Ferguson was kind enough to review 'Riddoch on the Outer Hebrides' in the Press and Journal on November 20. It was very complimentary and I have included it in on the reviews page.
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Another weekend and what must SURELY be the last book related trip to the Western isles this year. Jings, if Loganair had a frequent flyer programme I’d be Platinum Plus. And I’m not complaining!
But the panic-ridden drives across Scotland to Glasgow airport have got to stop! I left Dundee after Friday’s Riddoch Questions programme with three hours before the departure at Glasgow Airport. And STILL ended up with just 2 minutes to spare and the now customary complete system collapse the moment the ticket was handed over. Success! I was asleep the minute the plane took off (and was probably snoring and strap hanging across the aisle.) Only to be awoken by the bumpiest landing I can recall. In fact, the Edinburgh plane that followed ours made an emergency landing with the fire engines, closed roads, lights flashing – the works! 
The standby speaker for the Rotary event in Stornoway was in the queue and joked later that he anxiously asked an airport worker – was that Lesley Riddoch? No, came the answer. That was a plane.
It must’ve been the way he told ‘em. Anyway, I was honoured to be the first female speaker at the Rotary’s “Ladies Night” event for 50 years – yip I was slightly confused too, but refrained from reciting my half of the Women and Men joke-book co-authored some years ago with Ian Black. Apart from – why does it take a million sperm to fertilise one egg? They’ve trouble asking directions.
I know a cheap shot – but a great night. And on Saturday a fantastically wild night. I was staying as Scott and Margaret Bennett’s guest in the Black House they renovated at Borve between two of the greatest beaches in Scotland – Scarista and Luskentyre. Talk about spoilt for choice. And with 50 mph winds, I was able to observe the process of machair being made as several hundred-weight of sand flew through the air and into the fields behind the beach. The Outer Hebs may not get many “White Christmases” – who does in these days of global warming – but they get Big Weather. Back to Glasgow, and the SFEU conference in the Hilton. Chairing this same conference last year I lost my voice, had coughing fits and finally discovered a virus had wiped out my thyroid function. So I was a bit wary of the podium – but as ever great speakers and big ideas are a marvellous distraction. Did you know prisons and the armed forces are responsible for as many qualifications as universities in England? And are the under 25’s (Generation y) fearless and flexible? Cos without any real experience of wars, strikes or conflict, that’s how they see themselves!
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The Book Tour event will be at The Melting Pot on Wednesday 28 November, 6pm – 8pm
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Back in Belfast for a symposium, from the Greek sympotein 'to drink together' about language. It was an opportunity to visit the city where I grew up. The city has progressively changed every time I return. I heard the expression "Dead on" used for the first time in a long time.
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Back from a relaxing weekend in Islay, courtesy of Islay Arts, Ardbeg Distillery was a great venue but unlike President Clinton, I did inhale. Didn't sip or even drink it, but the aroma was enough. As ever, the Book Event was great fun and, as ever, being on an island meant lots of issues and observations. Thanks again to everyone, Stewart and Celia were grand. This week holds the promise of a number of things...including having an outside broadcast at the SNP conference ...more details here.
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As regular readers will know, I was down in Wigtown and recorded a programme with Jeremy. Due to technical difficulties, the interview in front of a live audience took place but the recording didn't. The reaction to Jeremy's views and insights was remarkable. So, we got together in studio and did one doon the line, as they say. I have known Jeremy a wee while and he is always worth listening to. Having been there, done it and got the t-shirt in 70 plus wars in recent times; he has an unique view on the current state of TV news. This Friday ( Ocotber 19 ) , we will broadcast this interview and please join in with your thoughts through the usual channels.
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The Book Tour heads west again this weekend, when I’ll be “performing” at 7.30pm at Ardbeg Distillery on Islay on Saturday 13th October. The cost is a bargain £2 which covers some of Islay Arts Association’s costs – and you’ll get a free dram. Contact Stuart Todd for more details at toddsislay@tiscali.co.uk
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These people have turned up to hear me talk about "Riddoch on the Outer Hebrides". What should they expect? Indeed, what should you expect to hear if you were to come along to one of these events ? I have recorded a wee snippet to illuminate.
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Wigtown Book Festival was great fun. As you can see, there was a large audience that seemed to enjoy my wee presentation. Lots of people were kind enough to come up and have a blether.
Given a hectic schedule which included chairing an "unique" meeting between Glenn Patterson and Malachi O'Doherty ( great fun ), trying to record a live session with Jeremy Bowen (fabulous insights - but hampered by unforeseen technical difficulties) and doing my own Book Tour thing ( a hoot ) and getting my column into the Scotsman ( Sunday morning - nuff said) ; it was quite busy. All this and I managed to catch a couple of sessions myself including John Pick on Neil Gunn ( excellent ) .
However, Friday night with Northern Ireland's First Minister Ian Paisley was extraordinary and got me thinking...this week's Riddoch Questions will reflect these ponderings...watch this space as they say.
Finally, if you haven't made it down to Wigtown and especially the Book Festival, then 'catch yourself on' and toodle down. It's worth it! And there is still time - it ends Sunday October 7 - for more details click here.
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