Extremis Etc. Extra

"Where the Forth unravels fair its mazy wreaths." - Sir Walter Scott

Introduction

Hello everyone,

Just a quick June Extremis Etc. Extra before we head into the July edition. I just wanted to let you know about an event and a new book that is now available for pre-release from us at Extremis Publishing. There’s so much to share next month that I thought that I would add in a mini edition in June.

Welcome to Bannockburn Blockbusters!

When: Thursday 18th June

Time: 7pm. (Doors open at 6.30pm.)

Where: Legends at the Monument, Hillfoots Road, Stirling, FK9 5LF

Entrance is by donation to Stirling Heritage Alliance

Booking is via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-talk-bannockburn-blockbusters-tickets-1980635721761

From Hollywood spectacle to gritty historical drama, this lively presentation dives into iconic films such as Braveheart, Robert the Bruce, and Outlaw King, asking how the legend, the history, and the film-making magic collide. Expect some sharp insights and plenty of behind-the-scenes stories, ranging from casting curiosities and production mishaps to little-known film facts that even devoted movie buffs may have missed.

For anyone who enjoys a good story well told, Bannockburn Blockbusters promises an evening that will be informative, funny, and unapologetically cinematic. Come along for the clash of swords and stirring speeches, but stay for the surprising truths, the myth-busting moments, and the sheer joy of seeing Scottish history reflected through the lens of the movies.

We would love it if you could join us on the night, to support such a great local charity which is committed to managing and promoting cultural and historic events, services and attractions in the Stirling area. For more information about SHA, please visit: https://www.legendsatthemonument.co.uk/about-us/stirling-heritage-alliance/

Dr Murray Cook’s new book Scotland’s First Frontier is now available to pre-order

Extremis Publishing is delighted to announce the forthcoming release of Scotland’s First Frontier by Dr Murray Cook, available from Tuesday 30th June 2026. This landmark new work invites readers on an extraordinary journey along the Old Forth: the ancient corridor stretching between Aberfoyle and Stirling that has served as one of Scotland’s most strategically vital and historically resonant landscapes. From the mists of antiquity, when this liminal waterway first shaped the movements of peoples and the boundaries of emerging kingdoms, through centuries of conflict, settlement, and transformation, Dr Cook traces the full sweep of human experience along this remarkable frontier. Drawing on the very latest archaeological discoveries, Scotland’s First Frontier brings rigorous scholarship and vivid narrative together in a way that will captivate both the general reader and the specialist alike. This is essential reading for anyone with a passion for Scottish history, landscape, and the secrets that still lie waiting beneath the soil.

Scotland’s First Frontier is available to pre-order now from all good online retailers and independent booksellers worldwide. For more information, including details of participating retailers, please visit our Scotland’s First Frontier page at: https://www.extremispublishing.com/scotlands-first-frontier.html

Lunch and Learn With Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce

Tom and I had a great time meeting Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce members this week at one of their regular “Lunch and Learn” meetings. This was held at Stirling University Innovation Park on 10th June. Tom had the pleasure providing a presentation about our latest book, Lights, Camera, Stirling!, highlighting some of the TV series and movies that have been filmed in Stirling and Stirlingshire.

Thanks to everyone who made us feel so welcome, especially Lynn Harris, President and CEO of FVCC, and Erin Boyle. We had a great time, and we are looking forward to seeing you again soon.

If you would like to know more about Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce, and how it all works, we were delighted to have Lynn as our guest for the June edition of the Extremis Publishing Podcast.

The location of our photo with Lynn at Stirling University Innovation Park is definitely apt for film-making, with the National Wallace Monument looking moody and atmospheric in the background - just as it was when it provided the inspiration for the internationally-acclaimed Guillermo del Toro adaptation of Frankenstein screened on Netflix last year.

Coming Soon!

I’m looking forward to bringing you some interesting stories and interviews in the July edition of Extremis Etc. in a few weeks time.

Until then, enjoy the longer nights of early summer - and, of course, the World Cup!

Best wishes,

Julie