Life in Lethinnis: A croft in the Highlands

After 20 years working as a professional biologist, the author retired to the Highlands, moving with his wife to a croft on the edge of a small and somewhat inaccessible village on the west coast. This was not a romantic or idealistic aspiration for the Good Life but a desire to return to his Scottish roots. The story gives a collection of cameos from those first few years as they moved into and settled in their remote smallholding, interwoven with snippets of natural history observation related to various topical wildlife issues. The book is beautifully illustrated by wildlife artist Catherine Putman and reveals Highland life with its humor and character.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2023
Publisher: Whittles Publishing

After dedicating 20 years to his profession as a biologist, the author made the decision to retire and relocate to the Highlands. Accompanied by his wife, he settled in a croft on the outskirts of a small and somewhat secluded village on the west coast. Contrary to romantic notions or a desire to escape from society, this move was driven by a growing dissatisfaction with living in the densely populated south of England and a longing to reconnect with his Scottish roots. The experience of moving felt like a time warp, as the majority of the other residents in this tiny hamlet had been born and raised there, predominantly speaking Gaelic, and lacking many of the modern amenities. This fostered a strong sense of community that had been missed.

This captivating story presents a collection of vignettes from their initial years as they transitioned into and settled in their remote smallholding. It unfolds as a series of short anecdotes that capture the essence of life in this isolated west-coast Scottish community. Genuine anecdotes are interwoven with observations of natural history related to various wildlife issues. In the vein of Lillian Beckwith's The Hills is Lonely, the stories revolve around the resilient characters who formed this secluded community and seamlessly integrated into their daily lives. While places and names may have been altered to protect identities, sufficient clues remain for professional biologists or those with a keen interest in natural history to identify the specific peninsula.

Reading this book is a delight, offering a glimpse into Highland life with its infectious humor and unique character. Wildlife artist Catherine Putman's beautifully illustrated illustrations further enhance the experience, bringing the Highlands to life in vivid detail.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781849955522