Explore every corner of this unspoilt and dramatic area with the fully-revised fourth edition of the "Rough Guide to Scottish Highlands and Islands". From walking along the deserted beaches in South Harris to whale-watching in Mull - inspired by dozens of photos - the 24-page, full-colour introduction highlights all the 'things-not-to-miss'. In addition, there are two, brand-new, 4-page, full-colour inserts: 'Wildlife' and 'Food and Drink'. The guide includes listings of all the top hotels, guest houses and the best places to eat and sample the local whiskies. There is plenty of practical advice for exploring the great 'Scottish' outdoors, from bagging munros to skiing on The Cairngorm mountains. The guide comes complete with maps and plans for the entire region.

From the abandoned crofts of Mingulay and the standing stones of Orkney to the white beaches of Colonsay and the spectacular Cuillins of Skye, this is a complete gazetteer covering all of Scotland's many hundreds of islands, including those which are uninhabited and those which are notoriously difficult to reach. Packed with information on access, anchorages, points of historical or natural interest and things to do and see, this compendium provides information for touring, for browsing, for reference, and for all of those travellers who wish to experience some of the most beautiful and remote places in the world. Illustrated with full colour illustrations and relief maps of all the main islands, this is both an impressive work of reference and a fascinating personal view of Scotland's distant outposts.

Following the success of his best-selling First Light, Joe Cornish has now turned his attention to the magnificent scenery of Scotland's 6,000-mile coastline. He has travelled from the Mull of Galloway in the south to the tip of Unst in the Shetlands, the northernmost point in the British Isles, and from remote St Kilda out in the Atlantic to the Sands of Forvie National Nature Reserve on the North Sea to capture the enormous variety of scenery that characterises the Scottish seacoast. Some of the sites he has photographed, like St Kilda or the sandstone peaks overlooking Loch Torridon, belong to the National Trust for Scotland, but many others are privately owned; some, like the majestic Cuillins on Skye, are well-known to tourists, others are hidden coves or remote sea stacks that few visitors will ever have seen. Whatever the subject, be it a wide Hebridean vista or fragmentary patterns of ice on a frozen beach, Joe Cornish, with his artist's eye and his dramatic use of light, helps us to look at it afresh and reveals new and unsuspected beauties. The result is a stunning book book which will delight Cornish's legion of admirers and all those who have found enchantment on Scotland's wonderful coastline.

The authoritative and engaging story of Scotland's Castles from the 12th to the 16th centuries, from mighty castles royal to tall storeys and poky dwellings. Despite their grand associations, Scottish castles were central to the lives of many Scots, of all social stations; castles were their work place, their place of worship, their army barracks, their law court, their prison, their hotel, their place of entertainment and even their place of execution. For that reason, author Chris Tabraham enthusiastically covers the rich history of these buildings, covering as much as anything the human aspect of the Scottish castle. In this new edition, fully revised and updated with the latest field surveys, archaeological excavations and tree-ring dating, the book covers: the physical nature of castles and their changing styles; the people who lived, worked, prayed and died in Scotland's castles; the military role of castles Hugely readable and richly illustrated, this book is for all those interested in Scotland's history.

A vivid look at Scotland's long and difficult road to nationhood, re-exploring some cherished myths and unearthing a wealth of fascinating new detail. Magnus Magnusson's starting-point is Sir Walter Scott's classic version of Scotland's history, "Tales of a Grandfather". Since its first appearance in 1827-29, Scott's book has moulded the views of generations of Scottish schoolchildren. It told the story of Scotland from the point of view of a deeply patriotic Tory who believed that the nation's destiny had been fulfilled with the Union of Parliaments in 1707. Magnus Magnusson takes the reader through Scotland's history from the earliest Mesolithic settlers on the island of Rum to the establishment of the new Scottish parliament in 1999. In investigating the many questions raised by the nation's turbulent and often poignant past, he gives full weight to the "people's history" of Scotland - the living treasure of local legends and tradition which he believes has as much resonance as academic analysis.

Despite being classed as an educational read, which might put most people off I recommend this book! It talks about a society, enclosed on a archipelago of small islands. A society that had survived for centuries to be destroyed not by nature or by themselves but by mainland civilisation! The book tells their story and discusses in more detail the reason why the villagers were evacuated in the 1930's. The book has insets of pictures which provides a visible insight into the world and people you read about! There are also some informative maps at the front of the book. When reading the book, it allows you to be an invisible observer during the last few days of inhabitance on the island. It is a fascinating and touching read that leaves you asking the question, 'Is St Kilda a microcosm of the bigger world, does it's demise represent the fate of the world in general?'

Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2006 is a revised and expanded edition of the highly successful and innovative book that had its genesis in 2003. This established market leader is published well in time for Christmas and takes account of all the latest developments in the world of whisky. What makes this book such a tour de force, however, is the tasting notes on hundreds and hundreds of different brands. The author has travelled around the world checking out whisky from distilleries as far-flung as Pakistan and Finland, as well as the world-leaders in Scotland, Ireland, Japan and the United States. In terms of whisky, this is the gospel!

Do you know your Mortlach from your Miltonduff? A Glenfiddich from a Glenlugie? Find out the differences in Michael Jackson's new edition of his celebrated guide to single malts. This is an essential read for the whisky connoisseur. There are several books on the market giving tasting notes on malt whiskies which are revised every four or five years. Most of these books give only one or two tastings per distillery, covering those bottles that will be found in the larger supermarket or the local wine shop. Should you be lucky enough to be visiting a more specialist retailer, in search of something special for a friend, or better still for yourself, then you may find that these books will offer little guidance about the more aged malts on offer, or those from the independent bottlers. This is where Jackson's book comes into its own. He will not desert you on such premises, he will offer help and advice when choosing that more exotic (we hope) and (probably) more expensive malt.

Samuel Johnson and James Boswell spent the autumn of 1773 touring the Highlands and the Western Islands of Scotland. Both kept detailed notes of their impressions and later published separate accounts of their journey together. The account of their great tour is one of the finest pieces of travel writing ever produced: it is a historical document and also a portrait of two extraordinary personalities. James Boswell is the author of "The Life of Samuel Johnson".

From the establishment of the Kingdom of Dalriada in Argyll by Fergus Mor in AD 500, through to the forfeiture of the Lordship at the end of the 15th century, this is Scotland's history told in narrative style. The book also examines the depredations of the Vikings and the Battle of Clontarf. Ronald Williams is a gifted historian and House of Lochar is proud to have published three of his titles to date

Remote, romantic and often mysterious, the islands off the coast of Scotland hold a strong fascination for thousands of visitors each year. Focusing on Orkney, this title is one of a series of illustrated guidebooks providing information on heritage, landscape, climate, flora and fauna.

This is a collection of over 100 tales of murder, ghosts and ghouls, body-snatching and witch-burning, which reveal the darker side of genteel Edinburgh's history. Included are the macabre exploits of the capital's infamous villains - Deacon Brodie, and Burke and Hare.

A reissue of the bestselling guide to over 180 species of birds to be found throughout Scotland. An ideal pocket guide to over 180 species of bird found throughout Scotland. Each species is illustrated in full colour with a comprehensive description, plus the bird's English, Latin and -- new this edition -- Gaelic names. For ease of use the birds are grouped together by the type of habitat in which they can be found, including gardens, farmland, woodland, freshwater, heath and hills, and coasts. A places to visit section details over 70 of the best sites for bird-watching, complete with directions to them and what to expect to see when you get there.

Working with the help of scientists and conservationists, including those on the staff of the National Trust for Scotland, wildlife photographer Niall Benvie has compiled a portrait of the creatures which we all think of as characteristically Scottish - red deer, pine martens, otters, mountain hares and red squirrels among the mammals, and birds such as golden eagle, ptarmigan, and red and black grouse. In all 73 species are illustrated in photographs, mostly the author's own, and described in a text which focuses upon the status of endangered species and threatened habitats, and the efforts which are being made to preserve them and, in some cases, to re-introduce species that have been lost to Scotland in the past.

The official map of Scotland, produced in association with the Scottish Tourist Board. Scotland's major tourist attractions on one easy-to-use map, with comprehensive touring and leisure information. Scale: 5 miles to 1 inch * The locations of over 1500 things to do and places to visit. * Castles, gardens, ancient monuments and natural wonders; country parks, forest trails and cycle routes; camping and caravan sites; National Tourist Routes. * Tourist Information Centres. * Comprehensive motorway and road information. * Distance chart in miles.

Make the most of car touring with these practical motoring guides from the AA. The Best Drives series is not just for independent travellers but also those who wish to know more about the chosen region. Now fully updated with new look covers, the guides are beautifully illustrated with colour photographs throughout. The drives are hand picked by experts for their spectacular scenery and there are specially created colour route maps and detailed directions included. Each country is divided into four geographical areas, with town visits plus itineraries for each one. There are also specific city tours with details of the most interesting places to visit en route. Additional information includes mileage charts, documentation, practical advice for traveling abroad and essential travel details on entry regulations, customs, public holidays and currency. AA Explorer Fully revised and updated, these new editions in the Explorer Guide series all sport vibrant new cover designs, giving the guides a fresh and modern feel. The AA Explorer