Preview: Black Lamb and Grey Falcon, by Rebecca West
My preview of August’s title in my Reading Female Travel Writers project, Rebecca West’s classic of the genre, Black Lamb and Grey Falcon.
Review: A Ride in the Neon Sun, by Josie Dew
My review of July’s title from my year-long mission of reading female travel writing – Josie Dew’s “A Ride in the Neon Sun: A Gaijin in Japan” – and, sadly, the first in the series that I failed to enjoy or finish.
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.