The road to Stroma

A series of posts about a road trip up the A9 to the very north of the Scottish mainland, culminating in a visit to the fascinating depopulated island of Stroma in the Pentland Firth.

The new John O’Groats

A visit to and reflection on the massively regenerated John O’Groats, finishing line for many long distance journeyists, and – until recently – a bit of a dump.

Stroma

My account of a day on the beautiful abandoned island of Stroma, in the Pentland Firth between Caithness and Orkney.

Whaligoe Steps

A walk down the spectacular Whaligoe Steps, 300 steps down to an old fishing station on the Caithness coast.

Sinclair Mausoleum

An exploration of the centuries-old Sinclair Mausoleum, near Ulbster in Caithness.

A brief stop in Helmsdale

A quick stop in Helmsdale, Sutherland, en route to the island of Stroma. A place well worthy of a return visit.

Preview: A Ride in the Neon Sun, by Josie Dew

A preview of July’s Reading Female Travel Writers title, A Ride in the Neon Sun by Josie Dew.

Review: Fabled Shore, by Rose Macaulay

My review of June’s title in my Reading Female Travel Writers series – Rose Macaulay’s beautiful if plodding Fabled Shore.

Preview: Fabled Shore, by Rose Macaulay

My preview of June’s Reading Female Travel Writers title, Fabled Shore by Rose Macaulay.

Review: Among Muslims, by Kathleen Jamie

My review of May’s title in my Reading Female Travel Writers series – Kathleen Jamie’s Among Muslims.

Pressing concerns

A reflection, in the light of press behaviour following the Manchester bombing, on “death knocking”, standards in our press and what we can do to make our newspapers better.

Preview: Among Muslims, by Kathleen Jamie

Next in my 2017 “Reading Female Travel Writers” quest is my preview of May’s title, Kathleen Jamie’s Among Muslims: Meetings at the Frontiers of Pakistan.

My views on Inverness

In which I get interviewed by the Inverness Courier for my views on what Inverness city centre needs.

Review: Skating to Antarctica, by Jenny Diski

My review of April’s title in my Reading Female Travel Writers mission – Jenny Diski’s powerful and beautiful Skating to Antarctica.

Preview: Skating to Antarctica, by Jenny Diski

A preview of April’s title in my Reading Female Travel Writers mission – Jenny Diski’s Skating to Antarctica.

Review: Travels With My Radio, by Fi Glover

My review of March’s title in my Reading Female Travel Writers mission – Fi Glover’s fun and informative Travels With My Radio.

Brexit, the EU and Scottish independence

A look at some of the myths around Scotland and the EU, in the light of the forthcoming second independence referendum.

Preview: Travels With My Radio, by Fi Glover

A preview of March’s title in my Reading Female Travel Writers mission – Fi Glover’s Travels With My Radio.

Review: Full Tilt, by Dervla Murphy

My second book review in my 2017 quest to read female-authored travel writing – Dervla Murphy’s Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle.

Here we go again

With Scottish independence rearing its head once more, it’s time to wearily address the question that won’t go away – is the movement for independence racist?