Just over the border to Scotland we go. Very near the Northumberland border, it’s chilly in these parts, but the people are warm. There are of course also the Scottish highlands, home to spectacular wildlife, some of which we don’t have. Mountain hares do live in northern England, but we don’t have free-roaming reindeer!
It will be interesting to see when inevitably Scotland goes independent, to see what happens politically. SNP are supporters of fair voting systems – so if they get in – will we end up with a whole mass of Green MPs, north of the border? Did you know that traditional sporrans are made from seal fur? Vegan shoe company Freerangers make good alternatives, made from quality materials in Newcastle just over the border.
- Highlands: Scotland’s Wild Heart is written by one of our best nature writers Stephen Moss. With stunning photography by Laurie Campbell, discover the land shaped by the flow of ancient ice, where snow-capped mountains tower over ink-black lochs, golden eagles soar over heather-clad moors and red deer stags engage in combat, for the right to win a mate. You’ll also tour the coast to meet basking sharks, orcas (killer whales) and bottlenose dolphins.
- The Little Book of Scottish Beasties introduces us to 45 creatures from red deer to golden eagles to highland cows and midges! He also talks of the Loch Ness Monsters and haggis (sheep’s lung that is eaten on Burn’s night – you can buy vegan haggis in health shops but it has palm oil – you’ll have to make your own)
- The Little Book of Scottish Rain is about a country where it rains so much – if it’s not raining, then more rain is on the way. Scotland has over 50 words for snow, with illustrations.
- The Secret Life of the Mountain Hare is a guide to the elusive hare that lives in northern England and Scotland. These captivating creatures have inhabited Britain’s upland landscape, since the last major ice age. Seasonally white or brown, they are shy and charming – and can run like the wind! Wildlife photographer Andy Howard lives in the Scottish Highlands, where he is often out with his camera snapping mountain hares, otters, red squirrels and birds.
- Highland Journal follows Jack on a strip to the northwest Highlands, where he and his son admire the local nature and wildlife. Illustrated with his own drawings and watercolours, Highland Journal 2 finds an eccentric new companion explore the Cairngorms.
