The Scottish Islands: The Bestselling Guide to Every Scottish Island by Hamish Haswell-Smith is widely celebrated as the definitive “island-hopping bible”. It is an indispensable, meticulously detailed gazetteer covering every single Scottish island over forty hectares in area.
The book covers hundreds of islands—including uninhabited and notoriously remote ones. For each location, it provides practical access and anchorage data. Every island’s section features its own map along with specifics on area, geology, history, ownership, population, and wildlife. Described by the Sunday Times as ‘the Rosetta Stone of isl;and hoppiong’, this magnificent volume has prompted may yachtsmen to take up ‘island bagging’ in the same way as Munro baggers collect summits.
Rather than a sterile encyclopaedia, Haswell-Smith weaves his own deep passion for sailing and exploration into the text. The book is beautifully illustrated with the author’s own paintings and sketches. If you are an avid sailor, a history buff, or a traveler wanting to deeply understand the geography and background of Scotland’s coast, this book is essential. It is a fantastic addition to any West Coast yacht library.
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