Scottish Highlands: A Cultural History
The Scottish Highlands loom large in public imagination, a popular destination for travel and a familiar setting for fiction and film. Andrew Beattie’s book begins with the rugged landscape of the land. From ancient geology, flora, and fauna, Beattie proceeds to concisely explore the history of the Highlands, and the effect and inspiration of the area on artists and authors. He ends with a history of tourism in the Highlands, starting in the 1600s and continuing, via Queen Victoria and others, to the hill walkers and skiers of the present day.
This book gives the interested reader a viable starting point. I felt the history section lacked a bit, mainly the early and medieval eras. Beattie’s frequent references to authors and travelers are interesting; I learned of new writers and books inspired by the region. However, I thought the book lacked a bit when discussing the people of the Highlands, and focused more on outsider’s perceptions of the region. Readers and travelers interested in delving deeper into the Highlands may wish to pursue other sources as well, but this volume is a place to begin.
