In eight chapters and 280 pages Miers takes us on a journey through the history of the highlands in the last three centuries, especially the history that found it becoming a retreat for many of the rich and famous in their eagerness to hunt stags and escape from the city. These visitors were not staying in remote hunting lodges that lacked any kind of creature comfort. Instead they were traveling to beautiful, and expensively furnished, highland estates where they could enjoy nature outdoors and sophistication and wealth inside.
The book is illustrated with stunning photography as well as reproductions of pertinent drawings and paintings. The large size of the book (10.5 x 11 in) enhances the photographs and enables many details of the furnishings to be observed.
Chapter topics include the discovery of the highlands as a retreat, the effect of the royal family’s attachment to Balmoral, the hunting sports that took place, and the art and nature involved. Along the way, each chapter is illustrated by an in-depth look at one or two incredible highland properties such as Dunrobin Castle, Torosay Castle, Kinloch Castle, Mar Lodge, Skibo Castle and others.
Travel Notes: this book is an ideal armchair get-away to the Highlands as well as an excellent preparation guide for a real-life tour through the Highlands.
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