Clan Battles

Warfare between the clans of the Highlands in the late Middle Ages determined the course of history in this region of Scotland, and Chris Peers’ gripping account of it – and of the rivalry between the strongest clans – gives the reader a deep insight into this bloody, turbulent phase in the development of the far north of the British Isles. The battles he describes, all of them fought between the 1430s and the 1540s, were flash points in the long struggle for dominance between the leading clans of the region. The battles are reconstructed in vivid detail. The first, Druim n Coub, was fought in 1433 between the Mackays and the Sutherlands. Then came Bloody Bay, a sea fight between rival MacDonald factions, Blar na Parc between the MacDonalds and the Mackenzies, Creag an Airgid between the MacDonalds and the MacIains, Glendale between the MacDonalds and MacLeods, and Torran Dubh between alliances headed by the Mackays and Sutherlands. The final battle, Blar na Leine, fought between the MacDonalds and the Frasers in 1544, marked the end of an era. The subsequent fate of the leading clans, principally the MacDonalds and Mackays, is also covered in a narrative that gives the reader a fascinating new perspective of clan loyalties and conflict which still resonates today. As well as covering the fighting Chris Peers explains the way war in the Highlands was organized by the contending clans during the period – the strategies and tactics, weapons and armor they employed. The result is an absorbing all-round account of the military history of the Highlands before the clans eventually lost their independence.

The Little Book of Scotland is a funny, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of the sort of frivolous, fantastic or simply strange information which no-one will want to be without. Discover the most unusual crimes and punishments, eccentric inhabitants, famous sons and daughters and literally hundreds of wacky facts. Geoff Holder’s latest book contains historic and contemporary trivia including such gems as the real story of William ‘Braveheart’ Wallace, which king was murdered in a barn, and where the Second World War Commandos were formed. From Sir Walter Scott to Sir Sean Connery and Queen Victoria to Mary Queens of Scots, this is a remarkably engaging little book, essential reading for visitors and Scots alike.

Now more than ever, you can count on Rick Steves to tell you what you really need to know when traveling through Scotland. Whether you take the high road or the low road, Scotland is yours to explore with Rick Steves! Inside Rick Steves Scotland you'll find: Fully updated, comprehensive coverage for spending two weeks or more exploring Scotland Rick's strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favorites Top sights and hidden gems, from the wild beauty of Orkney Islands and the Hebrides to cozy corner pubs in Edinburgh How to connect with local culture: Chat with experts on the Speyside Whisky Trail, cheer on the locals at a Highland Games event, or try authentic haggis Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insight The best places to eat, sleep, and relax with a dram of scotch Self-guided walking tours of lively neighborhoods and historic sites Detailed neighborhood maps and a fold-out regional map for exploring on the go Useful resources including a packing list, a phrase book of Scottish slang, a historical overview, and recommended reading Complete, up-to-date information on Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, St. Andrews, the Scottish Highlands, Oban, Mull, Iona, Staffa, Glencoe, Fort William, Inverness, Loch Ness, Pitiochry, Balmoral Castle, the Isle of Skye, Wester Ross, the Orkney Islands, and more Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves Scotland. Spending less than two weeks in Scotland? Hit the highlights with Rick Steves Best of Scotland.

With Rick Steves, the Scottish Highlands are yours to discover! This slim guide excerpted from Rick Steves Scotland includes: Rick's firsthand, up-to-date advice on the Highlands' best sights, restaurants, hotels, and more, plus tips for how to beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps Top sights and local experiences: Follow the Speyside Whisky Trail, cut through the Cairngorms, and kayak across Loch Lomond. Hike the craggy landscapes, hop a ferry to the Isle of Skye, or watch kilted athletes test their strength in the Highland Games Helpful maps and self-guided walking tours to keep you on track Full coverage of Oban & the Inner Hebrides, Glencoe & Fort William, Inverness & Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye, and more With selective coverage and Rick's trusted insight into the best things to do and see, Rick Steves Snapshot Scottish Highlands is truly a tour guide in your pocket. Exploring beyond the Highlands? Pick up Rick Steves Scotland for comprehensive coverage, detailed itineraries, and essential information for planning a countrywide trip.

Malcolm Macgow is good at what he does: a Scottish blacksmith. Living in Forfar, Scotland in the 1600's with his son, Ian, they make ends meet. Malcolm comes from a long line of blacksmith's and is teaching his son the trade as well. Although not officially single, he lives his life that way since his wife left him some time ago and has basically abandoned the family. His life takes a sudden change when a woman, Kate MacPherson, enters his life and turns him completely upside down emotionally. It doesn't take long before he falls madly in love with her. His life takes a turn for the worse when the local magistrate teams up with a group of domineering men who are bent on taking Malcolm's land right out from under him for purposes that are diabolical and not in the best interests of the town of Forfar. Malcolm's brother, Daniel, now living in the American colonies, has his own set of problems when he is accused of being in league with the Salem witch crowd. Daniel had sailed to America to make his own way in life as a fur trader, but fate had other plans for him in the name of an old family nemesis named, Theodore Higginbottom. Fleeing into the wilderness, Daniel evades capture and meets a woman by the name of Logan Moss, who he falls in love with. Eventually Daniel and Logan make their way back to Salem and prepare to make a stand with whatever awaits them there. In the present time, the brother's descendants come together, as family from America travel to Scotland where they discover their long lost relatives some three-hundred plus years later.