In 1997, the message...

In 1997, the message from the newly elected Government, which had Gordon Brown as its high-profile and extremely powerful Chancellor, was: “Things can only get better.” Fast forward 10 years, and the non-driving Mr Brown is, without the permission of a single voter, doing Prime Minister impersonations and even assuming the lofty job title, too. He’s replaced the above slogan with a new one that goes: “I have heard the need for change. Now let the work of change begin.”

Intricate motoring manual...

Intricate motoring manual this isnтЂ™t, but Scottish actor Robbie ColtraneтЂ™s view of the quirkier parts of the UK from the cockpit of a Jaguar XK150 S is fun and enlightening. Tired of motorways, he takes the Jag via B-roads only to visit as many eccentric places as he can. Ale brewing, pigeon fancying and wrestling are just some of the obscure subjects covered by the book.