Brian Pendreigh
Brian Pendreigh is an award-winning writer and journalist, whose regular outlets have included The Guardian (1999-2007), The Times and The Scotsman. He has written several film books and most recently was editor of The Times on Cinema (2018). He was twice Britain’s Film Journalist of the Year and his work has been picked by the Scottish Examination Board for English interpretation questions. He is a keen long-distance runner and pub quizzer (with wins on Mastermind, Eggheads, 15 to 1 and Only Connect). He lives in Portobello, Edinburgh. His lounge overlooks the Pentland Hills and his bedroom looks out to the sea and romance.
Brian Pendreigh is an award-winning Scottish film journalist, author, and tour guide. He has received high praise for his books on cinema—such as The Times on Cinema and The Man in the Seventh Row—as well as glowing reviews for his Edinburgh walking tours
Books written by Brain Pendreigh
The Man in the Seventh Row (2011/2020): His debut novel about a cinema-obsessed man received strong endorsements from cultural figures like Barry Norman ("A most unusual novel") and Andrew Marr ("Hugely enjoyable. Pacy, sharp and witty"
The Man in the Seventh Row (2011/2020): His debut novel about a cinema-obsessed man received strong endorsements from cultural figures like Barry Norman ("A most unusual novel") and Andrew Marr ("Hugely enjoyable. Pacy, sharp and witty"
Starring as the junkie hero of the 1996 hit film Trainspotting turned Ewan McGregor from a promising young actor into an overnight sensation. Since then, he has made ten movies in less than three years, with roles in Brassed Off, Emma, A Life Less Ordinary, Little Voice, and Velvet Goldmine. Brian Pendreigh brings fans the story of this young man from Scotland, from his boyhood days acting in church plays to his current success.
Starring as the junkie hero of the 1996 hit film Trainspotting turned Ewan McGregor from a promising young actor into an overnight sensation. Since then, he has made ten movies in less than three years, with roles in Brassed Off, Emma, A Life Less Ordinary, Little Voice, and Velvet Goldmine. Brian Pendreigh brings fans the story of this young man from Scotland, from his boyhood days acting in church plays to his current success.
Planet of the Apes was a huge box-office success when it was first released in 1967, and it has grown in stature over the years. Award-winning film journalist Brian Pendreigh's book will cover the entire Planet of the Apes phenomenon, from the novel through to the newest reincarnation on film.
Planet of the Apes was a huge box-office success when it was first released in 1967, and it has grown in stature over the years. Award-winning film journalist Brian Pendreigh's book will cover the entire Planet of the Apes phenomenon, from the novel through to the newest reincarnation on film.
The Times on Cinema opens The Times' and the Sunday Times' vast archives of reviews and coverage of Hollywood's most treasured films. Featuring many of cinema's most revered critics, including Philip French, Dilys Powell, Tom Shone and Kate Muir, whose award-winning journalism has often determined the success or failure of a film, the book spans seven decades of film criticism. Editor and critic Brian Pendreigh also complies a selection of the most infamously scathing reviews ever to grace the pages of The Times, as well as a collection of legendary interviews with iconic actors, actresses, directors and producers, who lay bare the secrets to their successes.
Featuring a range of rare film stills from The Times' collection, The Times on Cinema is the first book of its kind to make use of such an extensive archive, and is the perfect gift for all cinephiles.
The Times on Cinema opens The Times' and the Sunday Times' vast archives of reviews and coverage of Hollywood's most treasured films. Featuring many of cinema's most revered critics, including Philip French, Dilys Powell, Tom Shone and Kate Muir, whose award-winning journalism has often determined the success or failure of a film, the book spans seven decades of film criticism. Editor and critic Brian Pendreigh also complies a selection of the most infamously scathing reviews ever to grace the pages of The Times, as well as a collection of legendary interviews with iconic actors, actresses, directors and producers, who lay bare the secrets to their successes.
Featuring a range of rare film stills from The Times' collection, The Times on Cinema is the first book of its kind to make use of such an extensive archive, and is the perfect gift for all cinephiles.
Seen, Read, Reviewed
Brilliant. Best tour I have been on - and I have been on a lot - this tour was a real stand out from the many tours available. Brian, a native of Edinburgh, not only knows his stuff he brought to life the whole experience with fantastic, unexpected details and stories. Bags of fun and personality. I could not recommend Brian's tour enough. You won't be disappointed.
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Pendreigh has received standout visitor feedback on TripAdvisor for his Old Town Highlights walking tours, praised by travelers as "brilliant," "bags of fun," and full of rich local storytelling
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Join Brian as he brings stories to life through guided tours, special events and talks that explore Scotland's history, culture, people and places. Drawing on decades of journalistic experience, Brian offers engaging insights, fascinating anecdotes and a fresh perspective on the stories behind the landscape. -
From journalism and literature to Scottish culture, travel and current affairs, Brian's talks are informed, entertaining and full of stories. He brings a journalist's curiosity and a storyteller's eye to every audience.
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As an author, Brian Pendreigh has written extensively on Scotland's people, history and culture, bringing a journalist's eye for detail and a storyteller's instinct for compelling narratives. His books reflect a lifelong curiosity about the world and a passion for uncovering the stories that often go untold. Whether exploring remarkable individuals, historic events or the character of a place, his writing combines meticulous research with an engaging and accessible style.
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From Newsrooms to New Horizons
The Person Behind the Pen
It acknowledges his journalism career while creating space to talk about his love of books, films, travel, quizzing, family and his grandson, rather than focusing solely on his professional achievements.