The western coastal lands of the Northern Highlands are squeezed between the northern Hebrides and Drumalban, the mountainous spine of Highland Scotland. This is a region justly famed for some of the finest and most unspoilt scenery in the British Isles – but what happened here in times past? Scotland's Northwest Frontier provides the answer. For a long time, this area was a frontier zone between the medieval kingdoms of Norway and Scotland, and then between the Gaelic Lords of the Isles and the Scottish kings. In the 18th century, this remote seaboard was Britain’s ‘Afghanistan’, a dangerous region often beyond the control of London and Edinburgh. It was the last hiding place of Bonnie Prince Charlie before his escape to France after his Jacobite army had been crushed on Culloden Moor. A land of clans and lost causes, this is the story of powerful lords and warrior chiefs, Presbyterian soldiers of the Covenant and Hanoverian redcoats, Highland Clearances, road and railway builders, whisky smugglers and opium traders, from Viking times to the beginning of the 21st century. Scotland's Northwest Frontier is the entertaining story of what was for long a lawless region, followed through eight turbulent centuries. Backed by comprehensive appendices and glossary, this is one for the fireside, a travelling companion and an invaluable reference source for the bookshelf. Scotland's Northwest Frontier will appeal to those interested in Scottish history, and people who descend from Scottish clans and families.

The Sword of Scotland is the story of Scotland's military heritage. Scotland's fighting men have played a part in shaping the history of our world, and many of the individual countries in it. Its contribution and its sacrifices have been out of all proportion to the size of the Country. The skirl of the pipes and the cry of 'here come the Jocks' have weakened the resolve of many a foe. The Jocks of every Scottish regiment conjure up an image of fierce determination and indomitable courage. To them defeat is unthinkable. The various reasons for this are key themes of this book. The geography of Scotland and its numerous wars with England have played their part. But for over 300 years Scottish regiments have fought with distinction and selfless sacrifice alongside their old foes and played a key role in preserving Britain's freedom. The clan structure and the tremendous pride in family that this has produced over the centuries are the foundations of the regiments of Scotland and their greatest strength in adversity. Everyone with a Scottish connection will understand and be able to relate to this book, which is the story of an unrivalled military heritage