The Battle of Inchcolm Abbey
The Battle of Inchcolm Abbey

Author: William Clinkenbeard

Publisher: iUniverse

Published: 2012-02

Total Pages: 221

ISBN-13: 1469760797

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Davis Lane is a freelance theologian who, in a secular age, doesn't get a lot of work. Until, that is, he receives a mysterious invitation to go to Inchcolm with its ruined medieval abbey in Scotland's Firth of Forth. It's there that Alexander Morton, American property tycoon, is hatching plans to build the world's holiest golf course along with a hotel and casino. An enigmatic lady in trilby and tweed commissions Lane to research the island and its abbey in order to advise the parties affected by this extravagant development. The commission dredges up painful memories of a recent encounter with the CIA. The research is intriguing, drawing Lane into a fascinating maelstrom of history and legend. He discovers that the chill waters of the Forth not only host seabirds and seals, but also the coffin of the man who was supposed to be buried within the abbey. The Augustinian canons of the abbey may have been devoted to peace and love, but they turn out to be anything but meek and mild. Despite misgivings, Lane is impressed by the plans of the tycoon and also by his beautiful daughter. The proposed development, however, sparks off angry demonstrations, resulting in a death threat. Set in the Forth estuary and moving between Edinburgh and Fife, The Battle of Inchcolm Abbey is a work of fiction carefully woven around history and legend. The central character of this theological novel attempts to depict authentic faith and ethics in a secular and morally complex world.

Scottish Island Bagging
Scottish Island Bagging

Author: Helen Webster

Publisher: Vertebrate Publishing

Published: 2019-10-03

Total Pages: 472

ISBN-13: 1912560313

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Scottish Island Bagging by Helen and Paul Webster, founders of Walkhighlands, is a guide to the magical islands of Scotland. Focusing on the ninety-nine islands that have regular trips or means of access for visitors, plus fifty-five other islands which have no regular transport but are still of significant size or interest, the authors have described the best ways to experience each one. Of the islands featured, many are household names – Skye, Lewis, Bute – while some, such as the isolated St Kilda archipelago and the remote Sula Sgeir, will be unknown to all but a hardcore few. When it comes to things to see and do, the islands of Scotland have it all. Wildlife enthusiasts can watch out for otters, orcas and basking sharks, while birdwatchers in particular are spoilt: look out for the rare corncrake on Islay, sea eagles on Mull, or sight puffins, gannets, storm petrels and many other seabirds on any number of islands – although beware the divebombing bonxies. Foodies can sample Arran or Westray cheese, the many islands' world-renowned seafood or learn about the whisky making process and sample a wee dram on a distillery tour. While the human history may not stretch back in time as far as the geology of these ancient lands, it is rich and varied: visit the 5,000-year-old Neolithic village of Skara Brae on Orkney, or Mackinnon's Cave on Mull, following in the footsteps of Samuel Johnson and James Boswell. You can even stay in the house on Jura where George Orwell wrote Nineteen Eighty-Four. Hillwalkers can bag a Munro, walk the wild clifftops or take in the sights, or you could just escape from it all on one of the dozens of beautiful and deserted beaches – before joining the locals for a ceilidh into the wee hours. Well served by ferries and other transport links, getting around is easy. You could even take the world's shortest scheduled flight. In Scottish Island Bagging, let Helen and Paul Webster be your guides to these enchanting isles.

Treasured Islands
Treasured Islands

Author: Peter Naldrett

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2021-06-24

Total Pages: 320

ISBN-13: 1844865940

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Islands represent adventure, mystery, wilderness and escapism. Surrounded by water, they're somewhere to run away to, to be marooned on, to find a paradise... The British Isles includes some 194 inhabited islands (out of a total of over 6,000), ranging from remote lost worlds to famous and popular holiday spots. And Treasured Islands includes them all, in one enticing package. This wonderfully comprehensive and inspiring guide starts off with a Best of... section, highlighting the ten best islands for foodies, wildlife, adrenaline-junkies and pure escapism. Then, region by region, the author explores the UK's most wonderful islands, including: Shetlands, Fair Isle, Orkneys, Outer Hebrides, Inner Hebrides, Isle of Arran Lindisfarne, Isle of Man, Walney Island Anglesey, Pembrokeshire Island Foulness and Canvey Islands Isle of Sheppey, Lundy Isle of Wight, Isles of Scilly, Channel Islands, Islands of Ireland Tidal Islands (to include Burgh Island, Holy Island and St Michael's Mount) Inland Islands (to include Eel Pie, Derwent Isle and Peel Island in the Lake District) Remote Islands Illustrated with beautiful colour photography, the text ensures you won't miss out on must-see attractions, wildlife and natural features, local food specialties, sporting activities, best places to stay and eat, and all-important transport links to and from the mainland, and other nearby islands. For some light relief, there are interesting historical and cultural anecdotes woven through, giving a fascinating insight into the way of life on these sometimes remote settlements.