The Finest Road in the World: The Story of Travel and Transport in the Scottish Highlands

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title The Finest Road in the World: The Story of Travel and Transport in the Scottish Highlands
Authors and Contributors      By (author) James Miller
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:336
Dimensions(mm): Height 196,Width 130
Category/GenreBritish and Irish History
Transport
ISBN/Barcode 9781780275734
ClassificationsDewey:388.094115
Audience
General
Illustrations 16pp colour plates

Publishing Details

Publisher Birlinn General
Imprint Birlinn Ltd
Publication Date 13 June 2019
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

Trains and stagecoaches stuck in the snow, wild storms driving sailing ships off course, traffic pile-ups on so-called 'killer' highways - stories abound about the horrors of travel in the Highlands and Islands, and have done for as far as the records go back. James Miller tells the dramatic and sometimes surprisingly humorous story of travel and transport in the Highlands. Some of the figures in the story are familiar - General George Wade, Thomas Telford and Joseph Mitchell among them - but there are a host of others too, including the intrepid Lady Sarah Murray, who offered sound advice for travellers ('Provide yourself with a strong roomy carriage, and have the springs well corded'). This thought-provoking book will appeal to all who like stories of travel and transport, and are interested in how changing modes of transport have affected the ways of life in the Highlands and remain crucial to the modern life and the future of the region.

Author Biography

James Miller was born in Caithness and studied zoology in Aberdeen and marine biology in Montreal. After working for the British Council he became a full-time freelance writer. He has written a number of acclaimed books, including Scapa, The Dambuilders, The Foresters, Inverness and Swords for Hire.

Reviews

'Fascinating' * The Shetland Times *