Dear Readers . . .

Our latest Special is packed with great reading to keep you entertained, with eight pages of puzzles and brainteasers to test your wits and 14 brand-new short stories from favourite authors including Rebecca Holmes, Alison Carter and Tony Redcliffe. We also have recipes for sweet treats to make for Valentine’s Day, and a gorgeous textured sweater to knit.

Our features writers have plenty of inspiration for days out and longer breaks. Gillian Thornton falls under the spell of the historic cities of Italy’s Veneto region, and Steve Newman visits Cragside in Northumberland, once known as “the Palace of the Magician”. Willie Shand explores the fascinating history of the Stone of Destiny, Susie Kearley meets the founder of Cornwall’s Chicken Hotel and Lorna Cowan learns the language of flowers. We share stunning images from Edinburgh’s past, and chat to the inspirational Olivia Giles.