Frank Rennie Boeken

This is an account of the inter-relationship between one small island village in the Hebrides and the wider world. From the formation of the bedrock 3 billion years ago, to the predictable near-future, the layers of this unique landscape are explored. The social history of the people is closely interwoven with the natural environment in a journey of deep mapping to consider the meaning of special places. Through the Iron Age and the Clearances to the contemporary events of community land ownership, a portrayal is given that challenges the perception that this is a remote place, isolated at the edge, but instead is crucial to our contemporary relationship with the land.

The first comprehensive and accessible account of the lifecycle and ecology of this fascinating bird. It provides up-to-date information on the geographical status and habitat requirements for the continued survival of this iconic bird species.

What makes a place ‘special’? We all have some connection with the land, whether we simply walk on it or enjoy the view of a landscape. The connections with a place can go much deeper than just scenery, however, such as the personal links with farming, watching wildlife, or hill-walking. This extraordinary book reflects on the different ways that we look at the natural environment, alternating thoughtful non-fiction pieces and short stories that explore a fictional perspective. This stimulating format celebrates our relationships with landscape and place from some surprising angles to uncover the layers of the land that enrich our understanding of the world.