Guthrie Hutton brings his knowledge and writer's eye for detail to some of Scotland's most iconic communities and landscapes in this volume. Although a site of habitation from pre-history, the 19th century Clearances had a devastating effect on these islands and their population has only recently ceased to decline. Many of the islands are still uninhabited. However, the archipelago contains some of the most ancient and fascinating rock formations in Britain and the spectacular scenery and mild climate draw many visitors. There is certainly plenty of variety here from the flat peat moorland of Lewis, to the rugged mountains of Harris and fortunately a large percentage of both the islands and the surrounding waters is protected habitat.