Scotland

Harnessing recent developments in computer technology, the latest New Naturalist volume uses the most up-to-date and accurate maps, diagrams and photographs to analyse the diverse landscapes of Scotland.

Most people share an enthusiasm for beautiful and breathtaking scenery, explored variously through the physical challenge of climbing to the top of the tallest mountains or the joy of viewing the work of a painter; but while easy to admire from a distance, such landscapes are usually difficult to explain in words.

Peter Friend highlights the many famous and much loved natural landscapes of Scotland, ranging from the rolling, agricultural lowlands of the east to the wild and rugged mountains of the west, from the whitewashed villages of Galloway to the traditional fishing ports of the east. He provides detailed explanations for the wide variety of natural events and processes that have caused such an exciting range of surroundings.

Setting apart the topography that has resulted from natural rather than man-made occurrences, Friend focuses on each region individually, from the windswept islands that fringe the Atlantic to the sheltered straths of Perthshire, and explains the history and development of their land structures through detailed descriptions and colourful diagrams.

Illustrated with beautifully detailed photographs throughout, Scotland comprehensively explores the formation of these wonderful landscapes that are so universally admired.

On some devices, certain links to a figure (or references to a page) before or after or very close to the link itself may not work every time. Thanks for your patience. We hope you enjoy the ebook editions of the Collins New Naturalists series.

Reviews

‘In the seven decades of its existence [the New Naturalist series] has acquired something like iconic status. This introduction to the country’s geology marries approachability with scientific rigour. A general guide this book may be, but it’s impressive alike in its scientific details and in its comprehensive coverage.’ The Scotsman

‘Authoritative, but readable … anyone interested in how the current landscapes of Scotland were formed – this is an excellent addition to the available literature.’ Scottish Birds

‘A tribute to the author’s expository skills and profound knowledge of the country of his childhood, and to his colleagues at the University of Cambridge […]. I pity the Londoner whom it does not inspire to visit Scotland.’ The London Naturalist

Praise for the New Naturalist series:

‘The series is an amazing achievement.’ The Times Literary Supplement

‘The books are glorious to own.’ Independent

About the author

Peter Friend retired in 2001 after a career spent teaching and researching in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Cambridge. His boyhood was spent in Scotland, where he became fascinated by the variety and beauty of the natural landscapes. From his base in Cambridge, he carried out research programmes in Spitsbergen, Greenland, Spain, Pakistan and India, and became increasingly aware of the importance of rivers in shaping landscapes. He is currently Chairman of the Friends of the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences and Emeritus Fellow of Darwin College, Cambridge.