 |
|
|
|
| Orkney & Shetland: Scottish Isles (Vacation Work Publications, ISBN: 9781854583109) The first edition of Scottish Islands – Orkney & Shetland immediately established itself as the leading guide to these mystical islands to the far north of Britain. The authors have now returned to the islands to produce this fully revised second edition. Orkney and Shetland together consist of more than 170 islands and islets. Once remote from outside influence, they are now reaping the benefits of parliamentary devolution, oil, tourism and modern communications, while still managing to preserve their individual characters and traditions unspoilt by commercialisation. The islands have much to offer the discerning visitor. Nature lovers will find wild flowers, some of which are found nowhere else on earth, and land and marine wildlife including whales, dolphins and otters. Fishermen can catch fighting trout and salmon in the lochs while divers will find clean water plus the prospect of diving for treasure off Shetland. Bird watchers can see merlins, skuas, puffins, fulmars and kittiwakes while those interested in history will find the richest archaeological legacy in the British Isles, including ancient stone circles, standing stones, burial chambers and Viking treasures. Walkers, cyclists, canoeists, yachtsmen and kayakers can all pursue their individual sports in the islands’ stunning countryside. Scottish Islands – Orkney & Shetland will lead the visitor to sights and places that might otherwise be missed, including how to book a bed in a lighthouse or a castle, where to find the best preserved Stone Age village in Europe, how to find the best of the islands’ traditional folk music and where to buy the finest Shetland jerseys and lace. more>> | |
| Skye and the Western Isles: Scottish Islands (Vacation Work Publications, ISBN: 9781854583703) Fully revised new edition of the only comprehensive guide to Scotland?s Western Isles, which include Skye, Lewis, Harris, Uist, Iona, Jura, Islay and Arran. These enchanting islands reward the visitor with a rich variety of terrain and wildlife from the stark beauty of the Cuillin mountains of Skye to the raging seas off the Butt of Lewis or the palm trees of Arran. Skye & The Western Isles gives information on how to get the best out of a trip to the islands with descriptions of the best walks and climbs, castles and blackhouses, the history and culture, the liveliest music and folk festivals and ceilidhs and the finest food and drink, as well as full advice on how to get there by boat or air. It explains how you can locate the cave where Robert the Bruce watched his spider, discover if you are related to a Hebridean family, or take a flight to Barra that lands on the beach. The Western Isles are a haven for nature lovers: you can spot otters, seals, whales, dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks; discover Lapland marsh orchids, Norwegian sandwort, sundew, bog asphodel, and purple saxifrage; or find a bird reserve on North Uist renowned for rare corncrakes. Those of an active disposition can fish for trout and giant skate or climb a Munro on Mull where your compass needle points south, while those with more indulgent interests can tour seven different whisky distilleries on Islay or sample heather ale on Skye brewed from an old Pictish recipe. more>> |
| 