Under the Radiant Hill: Life and the Land in the Remotest Highlands

The northern parish of Assynt in Scotland has some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain, with Quinag and Suilven mountains dominating a varied landscape with wild, white hills inland and a complex, intricate moorland to the west. Robin Noble, who has been intimately involved with this corner of the north-west Highlands of Scotland his whole life, celebrates its rugged beauty and shares many intimate encounters with the resident wildlife. He also describes his deep involvement with the community land ownership, learning from the old generation of shepherds and crofters in the 1960s and later decades.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 07 September 2023
Publisher: Birlinn General

The northern parish of Assynt is a true treasure trove of breathtaking scenery, boasting some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in all of Britain. The majestic mountains of Quinag and Suilven stand tall and proud, dominating a diverse landscape that is both wild and enchanting. In the interior, rolling white hills stretch as far as the eye can see, while to the west, a complex and intricate moorland unfolds, adorned with rocky crags, meandering streams, countless lochs, and burns. The coastline, in turn, offers a remarkable variety, with long fjords, towering cliffs, and sandy beaches interspersed along its length.

Nestled amidst these picturesque surroundings are numerous crofting townships, where dense areas of native woodland thrive. It is within these lush green expanses that Robin Noble, a lifelong resident of this remote corner of the north-west Highlands of Scotland, has chosen to call home. In his captivating book, Robin takes readers on a journey through the rugged beauty of Assynt, sharing many intimate encounters with the resident wildlife that surrounds his cottage in the wooded glen beneath the majestic 'long mountain of Quinag.

Assynt is not only renowned for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its significant role in the history of community land ownership. Robin delves into his deep involvement with the people who call this place home, learning from the wisdom of the old generation of shepherds and crofters whom he met in the 1960s, as well as from their children and newcomers in subsequent decades. He shares the challenges and rewards of living in a remote, fragile community, forging connections that span generations.

Through his storytelling, Robin invites readers to immerse themselves in the heart of Assynt, experiencing the raw beauty of its landscapes and the rich cultural heritage that has shaped its communities. With each turn of the page, readers are transported to a world where nature reigns, history, and community intertwine, creating a tapestry of experiences that is both unforgettable and inspiring.

Weight: 238g
Dimension: 127 x 198 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781780278261