Description
Book SynopsisThis handbook is an inspirational resource to help you discover the thousands of miles of Scotland's spectacular coastline - from its stunning geology and diverse marine and bird life to its coastal history, culture and landmarks. Fishing ports, arts communities, clifftop castles, island hideaways, local legends: all have their place here. With contributions from leading nature writer Jim Crumley, geologist Ronald Turnbull, historian Michael Kerrigan and sailor/poet Ian Stephen - a contemporary bard for our islands - Fi Martynoga adds her own expertise in foraging for seaweeds, shellfish and coastal plants, and exploring the rich flora of our shorelines, from dune grasses to wildflowers. Whether you yearn to watch the sunset or swim from achingly beautiful coves, discover quirky highlights of island life or hints of a prehistoric past, or seek out otters or dolphins, this volume is your indispensable companion.
Trade Review'A perfect primer … What makes the book so good is the breadth of material packed within it, combined with the depth of expertise of those sharing their knowledge … Scotland's coasts are an integral part of what makes this, in many people's eyes, the best small country in the world. This book will help you gain more from the experience of visiting and exploring them.' Undiscovered Scotland; 'An essential guide to discovering more about the communities, wildlife and landmarks along the coastline.' Scots Magazine
Table of ContentsIntroduction; Our coastline: who owns the land?; Ronald Turnbull: The geology of our seashore; Scotland’s Central Lowlands: the coal hole; Raised beaches; Old Man, old sand; Ocean-bottom sludge; The Highlands: schist with a twist; Roderick Impey Murchison gets it wrong; A gneiss wee walk; A raised beach at Whalsay; Jim Crumley: Coastal Wildlife; Otters; A big fish; Cetaceans; Seals; Seabirds; Coastal plants; Beach, dune and coastal woods; Dunes; Beaches; Coastal woods; Machair; Cliffs and rocky shores; Estuary and saltmarsh; List of plants; Coastal Bounty; Before you start; Shellfish; Fish; Seaweed; Edible seaside plants; List of seaweed & edible plants; Foraging for other treasures; Beachcombing; Rock pools; Michael Kerrigan: Coastal culture; Mystic places; Boundary or bridge; Coastal castles; Tradition… interrupted; Net product; Whaling' Seals and selkies; Commerce and culture; A puff for the Puffer; Lost at sea; Lighting the way; Cultural fabric; The crockery coast; Artists’ colonies; Beside the seaside; Music festivals; From relaxation to renewal; Coastal costs; Scotland’s islands; The inner lands: Isle of Mull; Coll and Tiree; Muck, Rum, Eigg and Canna; Skye; The Outer Lands: Outer Hebrides; Orkney; Shetland; Island Jaunts: Inchcolm; The Isle of May; Ailsa Craig; Raasay; Bute; Arran; Great Days out; Eyemouth; North Berwick; East Neuk; St Andrews; Stonehaven; Findhorn; The Black Isle; Golspie and the East Coast of Sutherland and Caithness; Thurso; Bettyhill, Tongue and Durness; Lochinver; Ullapool; Gairloch, Poolewe and Area; Applecross; Plockton; Arisaig; Salen, Strontian and Sunart; Ardfern; Campbeltown, Carradale and the Kintyre Peninsula; Aye; Portpatrick; Wigtown and the Machars; Kirkcudbright; Sporting Days Out: Cycling; Wild swimming; Coastal rowing; Sea kayaking; Surfing; About the Contributors; Acknowledgements; Further Reading and Species Identification; Index
