Undiscovered Scotland

 

The Small Isles will be distantly familiar to anyone who has looked west from Arisaig or Mallaig or south from the Isle of Skye. Rather fewer people will have visited, because that takes a little more effort. The author admirably sets the scene for the the book in his introduction: "This is a book for anyone planning a visit to the Small Isles, perhaps thinking about visiting the Small Isles, or just curious about those odd names - Eigg, Muck, Canna and Rum. In writing it I have done my best to provide something between a readable historical account and a useful travel companion, in order to satisfy all three interests. The way the book is configured reflects this."

The book is divided approximately into fifths. It begins with an introductory section about the Small Isles, and in particular the islands' history. There are then sections about each of the four main islands, and a collection of colour plates in the centre of the book. Each of the islands sections has a chapter on the island's history and another listing places to visit on the island, giving a paragraph for each, as well as a monochrome map. The book is obviously thoroughly researched, it is engagingly written and the author's style is accessible. The result is an excellent starting point for anyone with an interest in any of the Small Isles.

The publisher's description gives a good sense of the book: "This book is the essential companion for those who wish to learn about and visit the Inner Hebridean islands of Eigg, Muck, Rum and Canna, known collectively as the Small Isles. As well as focusing on history, archaeology and landscape change from earliest times to the present day, it is a fascinating account of the people who have lived there – their subsistence, legends and superstitions, interactions and the ways in which they exploited the land and the sea. It takes the reader through prehistoric landscapes and Iron Age forts into the Age of the Saints and the incoming Vikings. The islands are rich in monastic tradition and rife with the clan feuding of the Middle Ages. Contemporary descriptions help explore population change, townships, the boom and bust of the kelp industry and the devastation brought about by the Clearances before the late 19th century, when wealthy aristocrats created great sporting estates."