Books

BY THE BOOK

ARRAN

Set in the scenic town of Lamlash, The Legacy of Elizabeth Pringle by Kirsty Wark tells a multigenerational story of life on Arran, in which a modernday daughter discovers the storied past of one of the island’s most enigmatic residents, the eponymous Elizabeth Pringle. Lamlash itself has a stunning view of the historic Holy Isle and is an excellent starting or stopping-off point for anyone hoping to explore Arran on foot. Also featuring in the book is the majestic Goatfell, the highest of Arran’s mountains, standing sentinel above Broderick Castle. Climb the granite peaks to be rewarded with views of Jura, Ben Lomond and even – on clear days – Ireland.

The lovely white sand beaches and rocky cliffs of Arran will also resonate with fans of Sarah Maine’s historical novel The House Between the Tides. This intriguing story sees intemperate painter Theo Blake sustain himself despite an obsession with a woman he can’t have, thanks to his passion for his island home. Discover the sort of sights that inspired Blake’s devotion for the land and seascapes by exploring Silver Sands, Whiting Bay and Sannox Beach. A trip to the atmospheric and ancient Machrie Moor stone circles, dating back to 3500BC, also offer a sense of the island’s long history. SKYE

Known for its medieval castles, craggy cliffs and charming seaside villages, the Isle of Skye offers an excellent setting for mystical and mysterious tales. The Story Keeper by Anna Mazzola is a historical novel about Audrey Hart, who visits the island hoping to be taken on as an assistant to a folklorist researching folk and fairy tales on Skye, before the discovery of a young girl’s body sets her adventure in motion. Set off on your own quest with a visit to Glen Brittle with its sparkling Fairy Pools, long rumoured to be a spot loved by fairy folk and now popular with wild swimmers. You’ll also be perfectly placed to admire the rocky crags of the Cuillin mountain range while you’re there.

If you’re in search of invigorating walks and stunning views, we recommend taking a tour of some of Skye’s spectacular routes. The Old Man of Storr is a firm favourite but if you’re a fan of espionage adventures, be sure to include the Hill of the Red Fox (Sgurr a Mhadaidh Ruadh) to bring to mind the book of the same name, a children’s classic by Allan Campbell McLean. In McLean’s novel, suspected Soviet spies and a Cold War plot grip the island, but today you’ll find nothing but peaceful views from the summit of Trotternish range.

BY THE BOOK

From the excitement of Robert Louis Stevenson to the drama of Peter May and the fun of Alexander McCall Smith, Lynsey May discovers how the dramatic landscapes of the western islands have fuelled many an author's imagination

LEWIS

The breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, medieval architecture and gorgeous green spaces might make visitors feel as though they’ve stepped into a romantic fantasy tale, but author Peter May chose this stunning island as the setting for his chilling crime trilogy. From the eye-catching township of Ness, with its beautiful beach and low cliffs (once home to protagonist Detective Inspector Finlay Macleod), to the intriguing Bridge to Nowhere featured in The Chessmen, May makes use of many brilliant locations. Other highlights include various locations around the striking bay of Uig in south west Lewis, including the ancient graveyard at Baile na Cille which is small but unforgettable. Also set on Lewis is Kevin MacNeil’s powerful novel The Stornoway Way. Often compared to Trainspotting, this no-holds-barred look at island life explores the characters of Leodhasach (people from Lewis) and also has memorable scenes set in Ness. Be sure to raise a glass of the amber to MacNeil’s protagonist while you’re there, or get right to the source with a visit to Abhainn Dearg Distillery (Red River Distillery). Don’t take too many pages out of MacNeil’s protagonist’s book, however, and do spend some time exploring the island’s other delights, including the Calanais standing stones and Lews Castle. MULL

Mull has long been renowned for its connection to Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson, one of Scotland’s best-loved adventure novels. Some of the action takes place on Erraid, a small, rugged tidal island just off the tip of the Ross of Mull. If you take a day trip to explore it, pay a visit to Traigh Gheal – known as Davie Balfour’s Beach, as a homage to the place where Stevenson’s hero washed ashore after a shipwreck – on the south side of the island. If you like your beaches, be sure to check out the lovely Calgary Bay on the northwest coast of Mull too.

If you’re travelling with children, then make sure to introduce them to Alexander McCall Smith's School Ship Tobermory series to help inspire their trip. In these charming books, the children set off from their home on Mull to explore the surrounding lochs and islands while travelling in their school, which just happens to be a well-equipped boat. An excellent array of boating day trips departs Tobermory, including cruises, trips to surrounding islands and sea life safaris perfect for little learners. Of course, there’s plenty to enjoy on Mull itself, including six castles, the Lochbuie standing stone circle and many Iron Age brochs.