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Scotland

The books are arranged by publication date with the most recent at the top of the page.

Scottish regions

Argyll
Ayrshire
Borders
Central Valley
Dumfries & Galloway
Fair Isle
Fife
Grampian
Highland
Inner Hebrides
Orkney
Outer Hebrides
Shetland

GB / UK books

- Britain/Europe field guides

RSPB Handbook of Scottish Birds

Peter Holden and Stuart Housden

Second edition

Bloomsbury Publishing

2016

"This is a fully updated second edition of 2009's well reviewed RSPB Handbook of Scottish Birds detailing Scotland's rich birdlife. Over 250 species are covered in detail with one page per species, including Gaelic names newly added for this edition. The detailed distribution maps have been fully updated and show when birds are breeding, wintering or on migration. More than a thousand superb colour illustrations by some of the world's leading bird artists have been integrated into the text for easy reference at home or in the field. Each detailed species account includes information on identification, voice, habits, habitat, food, breeding ecology, seasonal movements, population and conservation."

Best Birdwatching Sites: Scottish Highlands

Gordon Hamlett

2nd edition

2014

"The book covers a huge area - from Perthshire right up to the Caithness Flow Country – and as many of the best birding sites lie outside established nature reserves, and public transport is virtually unknown, a car is the only practical option for birders. For that reason author Gordon Hamlett has organised the information into a series of 24 mainland road trip itineraries, plus in-depth guides to the islands of Mull, Handa and Skye. Almost all the tours are circular in nature, with individual maps for each stopping-off point (the book contains an amazing 218 maps in total - 54 more than the 1st edition). Other features of the book include: birding tips for hundreds of sites based on the author’s practical experience; all sites evaluated for wheelchair access; comprehensive seasonal bird and wildlife lists for each route; what birds to expect - month by month; clear instructions on locating all named sites; a checklist of Highlands birds; useful contacts and websites."

A Guide to Scots Bird Names

Robin Jackson

Ptarmigan Press

2nd edition

2013

"A Guide to Scots Bird Names contains no fewer than 1000 Scots bird names making it the most comprehensive Guide so far published. In addition to the names there are 24 colour illustrations by Mike Langman – one of the best known bird illustrators in Britain. There is an introductory section in which I seek to describe some of the possible origins of Scots bird names. A Guide to Scots Bird Names also contains 24 extracts from Scots poetry (15th to 20th century) which make reference to birds and which complement the text."

Landscapes and Birds of Scotland

Leo Du Feu

2013

"Landscapes and Birds of Scotland: An Artist's View is a journey through Scotland's lowlands, highlands and islands, beautifully wrought by artist Leo du Feu. Leo's three passions - birds, art and the outdoors - are demonstrated in the pages of this wonderful book. From peregrine falcons in flight over Slains Castle to the majestic lighthouse on Rattray Beach and the beauty of Orkney, this book will appeal to all lovers of nature and the natural landscape. Also included are sketches from trains, made by the artist on his travels around Scotland."

Fauna Scotica: Animals and People in Scotland

Polly Pullar and Mary Low

2012

"This informative and beautifully illustrated book is the most complete companion to Scottish animals and birds available. Themed around various habitats (mountain; bog and moor; woods; lochs and rivers; croft and farm; sea and seashore; urban), and including material on mythical beasts, it features a wealth of information on hundreds of species. As well as descriptions and biological information, the text is interspersed with much detail – historical, folklore, anecdotal, and even culinary – which offers fascinating insights into the role of animals in our cultural life and the way man has interacted with them over a period of thousands of years. There are also details of all the main Scottish conservation bodies and Scotland's major nature reserves, as well as information of the Wildlife and Countryside Act."

Scotland

Peter Friend

Collins

2012

"Harnessing recent developments in computer technology, the latest New Naturalist volume uses the most up-to-date and accurate maps, diagrams and photographs to analyse the diverse landscapes of Scotland. Peter Friend highlights the many famous and much loved natural landscapes of Scotland, ranging from the rolling, agricultural lowlands of the east to the wild and rugged mountains of the west, from the whitewashed villages of Galloway to the traditional fishing ports of the east. He provides detailed explanations for the wide variety of natural events and processes that have caused such an exciting range of surroundings. Setting apart the topography that has resulted from natural rather than man-made occurrences, Friend focuses on each region individually, from the windswept islands that fringe the Atlantic to the sheltered straths of Perthshire, and explains the history and development of their land structures through detailed descriptions and colourful diagrams. Illustrated with beautifully detailed photographs throughout, Scotland comprehensively explores the formation of these wonderful landscapes that are so universally admired."

The Changing Nature of Scotland

Editor: Susan J. Marrs, Simon Foster, Catriona Henrie, E.C. Mackey and D.B.A. Thompson

2011

"The environmental challenges ahead have never been more acute. Pitted against a backdrop of rapidly changing land-use, climate change and economic challenges, we need the best evidence available to underpin the way we care for nature. Scotland has some of Europe's finest landscapes and wildlife. Here, we provide a stock-take of environmental change across the land, water and seas of Scotland. Drawing on more than forty papers and posters presented at a conference organised by Scottish Natural Heritage and other agencies of the Scottish Government, the book provides a fresh overview of research, policies and grass root activities. Binding the chapters together is a rapidly evolving understanding of change, informed by the development of new metrics on trends and indicators. This book makes an important contribution to our understanding of environmental change in Scotland - and what we need to do to secure a healthier future for wildlife and people."

The Breeding Birds of North-East Scotland

Editor: Ian Francis and Martin Cook

2011

"This new breeding bird atlas presents the results of five years of survey work in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City and includes almost half of the Cairngorms National Park. It maps the distributions of all breeding birds during 2002-06, and as the first repeated local breeding bird atlas for any area in Scotland, makes comparisons with earlier atlases, both local (1981-84) and national (1968-72 and 1988-91). Where possible, information on breeding birds has been updated to 2009. The maps use the familiar 2x2km 'tetrad' and the 2,340 surveyed make this the largest of its kind ever undertaken, covering almost 4% of the UK land area and 11% of Scotland. Species accounts have been written by sixty local authors, and many photographers from North-East Scotland contributed a wide range of images illustrating breeding activity, a distinctive feature of this atlas. For each species, its habitat, breeding biology, local breeding status and distribution are summarised. An estimate of breeding population is provided, along with evidence for changes in distribution and numbers. The geography and habitat context in which our breeding birds are found is described in some detail, as are the main influences on their distribution and trends in numbers – issues that are critical to bird conservation. The atlas, with a foreword by Adam Watson, is 528 pages in length and full colour throughout."

Where to Watch Birds in Britain

Simon Harrap and Nigel Redman

2010

"This guide covers the very best birding sites in Britain. In a format familiar to readers of this popular series, each site is considered in terms of 'Habitat', Access' and 'Birds', allowing birders of all levels to plan successful birding trips anywhere in Britain, and to maximise the chances of getting the best out of each site and each region. The book includes detailed maps of the larger sites, plus general maps of the regions covered, and it is illustrated with attractive line drawings. This book has been extensively revised, with several new sites added for this edition, together with information on disabled access for most sites."

RSPB Handbook of Scottish Birds

Peter Holden and Stuart Housden

2009

"In this new book, the text, maps and plates of the bestselling RSPB Handbook of British Birds have been adapted to create a brand new book specific to Scotland and its rich birdlife. Over 250 species are covered in detail with a page per species. The species accounts include concise information on identification, voice, habits, habitat, food, breeding ecology, seasonal movements, population and conservation. Detailed maps have been specially created to show distribution when breeding, wintering or on migration. Superb colour illustrations from some of the world's leading artists have been integrated into the text for easy reference."

Scotland's Mountains: A Landscape Photographer's View

Joe Cornish

2009

"Following the success of Scotland's Coast, acclaimed landscape photographer Joe Cornish trained his lens on another outstanding feature of the country for which he holds so much affection – its mountains. He sets out to capture the unique character of each range, from the soaring peaks of the Southern Highlands to the fortress-like Torridonian and Assynt hills in the far north; from the Cuillin of Skye, almost Alpine in character, in the west, to the lofty Cairngorms, with their windswept plateaus and jewel-like ice formations to the east. With a brilliant eye for a picture and a masterly use of light, Joe depicts not only the peaks and ridges, the cliffs and buttresses of each mountain range, but the corresponding valleys and glens, the deep lochs, fast-flowing burns and spectacular waterfalls that are as integral to the landscape as the mountains themselves. Accompanying the photographs are Joe's fascinating accounts of his experiences in each region. He describes the physical and creative challenges he faced in order to capture the images, and his reflections on the remarkable landscapes and features he encountered. The result is one of the most acutely observed, engaging and inspirational portraits of Scotland's mountains ever published. It will delight not only Joe Cornish's numerous admirers but anyone who is drawn to this most magical of landscapes."

Collins Scottish Birds

Valerie Thom

2008

"An ideal pocket guide to over 180 bird species commonly found throughout Scotland Unlike many field guides, Collins Scottish Birds does not cover birds which only visit occasionally, or which occur in such small numbers and are so difficult to identify that only experienced birdwatchers can spot them. Instead, it concentrates on more common species that the amateur birdwatcher is most likely to see, plus a few scarcer ones of particular interest. Species are grouped according to the habitat in which they are most likely to be seen, with a detailed introduction to all the different habitats. There are also details of key identification features and behavioural characteristics which will help you identify each bird with accuracy and ease. Each entry includes: / Full-colour illustration / Common name and Latin and Gaelic name / The season in which the bird is likely to be spotted / Details on habitat, feeding habits and voice The book also includes up-to-date details about places of interest and the best sites to go for birdwatching, with maps and contact information to help you get there. Packed full of information, 'Collins Scottish Birds' is the ideal guide for both visitors and residents of Scotland who wish to learn about the fascinating wealth of birds that can be found there."

The Birds Of Scotland

Editor: Ron Forrester, Ian Andrews, Chris McInerny, Ray Murray, Bob McGowan, Bernard Zonfrillo, Mike Betts, David Jardine and David Grundy

2007

"In two full-colour A4 hardback volumes, containing 1,632 pages, this encyclopaedia of Scottish birds is written by 157 experts and edited by a team of nine editors led by Ron Forrester and Ian Andrews. All 514 species ever seen in Scotland are included, from the all-important breeding species and winter visitors to the regular migrants and one-off vagrants that combine to make the Scottish avifauna so varied. Each species is allocated between one and six pages with at least one photograph of the species taken in Scotland (or artwork, if no photograph is available). The significance of Scottish populations is placed in context, and threats and gaps in our knowledge are highlighted. Extinctions, colonisations and the ups and downs of many species illustrate the ever-changing nature of our avifauna stretching back through the 200 years of documented ornithology. Twelve introductory chapters provide a detailed background to geography, habitat, migration, the history of birds in Scotland and more, while seven appendices include a 2005-06 update, a population estimates summary and details of Gaelic bird names. The 74-page bibliography of over 5,800 references gives access to the library of information on which the accounts are based. Illustrated with more than 900 first-class photographs and 1,500 charts, maps and tables, this landmark publication is a must for everyone with an interest in Scottish birds - from the casual naturalist to the professional ornithologist, and for visitor and resident alike."

Scottish Birds: The Quick and Easy Spotter's Guide

Valerie Thom

Collins

2006

"An introductory guide to 180 species of bird commonly found throughout Scotland in the best-selling pocketable Gem format. Unlike many field guides, Gem Scottish Birds does not cover birds which only visit occasionally, or which occur in such small numbers and are so difficult to identify that only experienced birdwatchers can spot them. Instead, it concentrates on the commoner species that the amateur birdwatcher is most likely to see, plus a few scarcer ones of particular interest. The entries are grouped taxonomically, with a detailed introduction to all the different habitats. There are also details of key identification features and behavioural characteristics which will help you identify each bird with accuracy and ease. Each entry includes: full-colour illustration; common name and Latin and Gaelic name; the season in which the bird is likely to be spotted; details on habitat, feeding habits and voice. There is also a section with up-to-date details about places of interest and the best sites to go for birdwatching, with maps and contact information to help you get there. Packed full of information, Gem Scottish Birds is the ideal guide for both visitors and residents of Scotland who wish to learn about the fascinating wealth of birds that can be found there."

Wild Scotland: The Essential Guide to the Best of Natural Scotland

James McCarthy

2nd edition

2005

"Newly updated and illustrated with line drawings and wonderful photographs. This comprehensive, pocket-sized guide is a companion for walkers, naturalists or lovers of Scotland's natural assets."

Aig An Oir / At The Edge: The Society of Wildlife Artists Visit Scotland's Atlantic Oakwoods

Robert Burton

2005

"The Aig An Oir project is a collaboration between the Society of Wildlife Artists, Forest Enterprise Scotland and Hi-Arts. This is a celebration of the magical but little-known Atlantic Oakwoods of the west coast of Scotland. Robert Burton's informative and easy-going text describes some of the restoration work being carried out in the Oakwoods. Lying not just on the edge of Scotland but at the very edge of Europe, these lush, temperate rainforests are an internationally important habitat for plants and wildlife."

Collins Scottish Birds

Valerie Thom

2005

"A reissue of the bestselling guide to over 180 species of birds to be found throughout Scotland. An ideal pocket guide to over 180 species of bird found throughout Scotland. Each species is illustrated in full colour with a comprehensive description, plus the bird's English, Latin and - new this edition - Gaelic names. For ease of use the birds are grouped together by the type of habitat in which they can be found, including gardens, farmland, woodland, freshwater, heath and hills, and coasts. A places to visit section details over 70 of the best sites for bird-watching, complete with directions to them and what to expect to see when you get there."

Scotland's Coast: A Photographer's Journey

Joe Cornish

2005

"Following the success of his best-selling First Light, Joe Cornish has now turned his attention to the magnificent scenery of Scotland's 6,000-mile coastline. He has travelled from the Mull of Galloway in the south to the tip of Unst in the Shetlands, the northernmost point in the British Isles, and from remote St Kilda out in the Atlantic to the Sands of Forvie National Nature Reserve on the North Sea to capture the enormous variety of scenery that characterises the Scottish seacoast. Some of the sites he has photographed, like St Kilda or the sandstone peaks overlooking Loch Torridon, belong to the National Trust for Scotland, but many others are privately owned; some, like the majestic Cuillins on Skye, are well-known to tourists, others are hidden coves or remote sea stacks that few visitors will ever have seen. Whatever the subject, be it a wide Hebridean vista or fragmentary patterns of ice on a frozen beach, Joe Cornish, with his artist's eye and his dramatic use of light, helps us to look at it afresh and reveals new and unsuspected beauties. In the text which accompanies his photographs he explains the aspects of each particular landscape that made it special to him, its geology, its flora, its history or its associations. The result is a stunning book which will delight Cornish's legion of admirers and all those who have found enchantment on Scotland's wonderful coastline."

Scotland's Wildlife

Niall Benvie

2004

"Working with the help of scientists and conservationists, including those on the staff of the National Trust for Scotland, wildlife photographer Niall Benvie has compiled a portrait of the creatures which we all think of as characteristically Scottish - red deer, pine martens, otters, mountain hares and red squirrels among the mammals, and birds such as golden eagle, ptarmigan, and red and black grouse. In all 73 species are illustrated in photographs, mostly the author's own, and described in a text which focuses upon the status of endangered species and threatened habitats, and the efforts which are being made to preserve them and, in some cases, to re-introduce species that have been lost to Scotland in the past."

Where to Watch Birds: Scotland

Mike Madders

2002

"This bird-finding guide is a reference to the best birding sites of Scotland. Each site is described in terms of the nature of the habitat, the species likely to be observed, the recommended timings for visits to get the best from the site, and a calendar showing which species are found in the various seasons. The site accounts also mention other interesting wildlife that may be encountered - for example, Scotland is home to some of Britain's most enigmatic mammal species."

Scotland's Nature in Trust: The National Trust for Scotland and its Wildland and Crofting Management

J. Laughton Johnston

Poyser Natural History

Poyser

2002

"The National Trust for Scotland is one of the largest landowners in Scotland, owning one per cent of its countryside. Half of the Trust land is designated for its natural heritage in one form or another, one being a World Heritage site - the highest accolade that can be bestowed. This comprehensive title looks at the Trust's credentials for natural heritage management and examines the properties it owns. Could or should the Trust expend its resources equally across its natural heritage responsibilities? How does it fulfill its role as landlord and as part of the local community? These questions and others are answered in this book. The opening chapter briefly discusses the history of the Trust and discusses some of the general countryside management issues of the day with which the Trust has to grapple. There then follows chapters on ten properties which look critically and intimately at their management. The final chapter sums up where the Trust stands today as a natural heritage manager for Scotland and suggests that there is an opportunity ahead for radical change."

Scotland's Nature and Wildlife

Kenny Taylor

2002

"Beautifully illustrated overview of Scottish nature and wildlife."

Scottish Birds: Culture and Tradition

Robin Hull

2001

"Explores both the known scientific facts and traditional lore about birds in Scotland, and looks at a myriad of ways in which birds have influenced the culture, history and imaginations of Scots throughout the millennia."

Collins Scottish Birds

Valerie Thom

2000

"Aimed at both the birdwatching market and at tourists visiting Scotland, this guide describes all the species commonly found in this country. The book is divided into six habitat sections: gardens, parks and buildings; farmland; woodland; freshwater; heath and hill; and coast. Each section has an introduction describing the habitat illustrated with colour photographs, followed by a guide section describing all the birds found in that habitat. Each bird is illustrated in full colour. The text is written for beginners as well as to inform keener birdwatchers. The end of the book has a "places to go" section arranged by area (Highland, Western Isles, south-west, etc): it details over 70 of the best sites for birdwatching, describing how to get to them and what to expect to see once you are there. Valerie Thom is the author of Birds in Scotland."

Where to Watch Birds: Scotland

Mike Madders, Julia Welstead

1997

"The range of habitats on the Scottish islands and mainland are home to many different bird species. This new edition contains 125 sites covered by region. Every site account has been updated and there are new sites, maps and line drawings."

A Guide to Scots Bird Names

Robin Jackson & David Mitchell

1996

Lists around 500 names that have been used for Scots birds over the last 700 years.

Where to Watch Birds: Scotland

Mike Madders, Julia Welstead

1993

"Scotland offers bird watchers a wealth of opportunities and this revised and expanded guide covers over 120 main sites and many additional locations of interest for the birdwatcher."

The Birds Of Scotland

Emilio Dicerbo

1991

"A guide to 200 rare and common species found in Scotland with close-up colour photographs, many published for the first time and handy reference charts for each type giving details of comparative size, status, habitat, nest, eggs, clutch size and feeding habits."

Where to Watch Birds: Scotland

Mike Madders, Julia Welstead

1989

"This guide details the best birdwatching sites in Scotland ranging from the mountains and moorlands of the Highlands to the lowland vales and rolling hills of the Border country. Key information is given on the habitat of each site and the birds likely to be seen there."

A Bird Artist in Scotland

Donald Watson

1988

"Donald Watson has been one of Britain's foremost bird artists for many years, and has illustrated such outstanding books as Birds of Moor and Mountain and The Hen Harrier. This is his autobiography, describing his life from childhood in Surrey, military service in Burma, to his present home in Galloway. A lively account, it is beautifully illustrated with his own work."

The Reintroduction of the White-Tailed Sea Eagle to Scotland: 1975-87

John A. Love

Joint Nature Conservation Committee

1988

A 48 page report on the attempts to reintroduce the White-tailed Eagle to Scotland. It includes full history, and details of breeding ecology.

Birds in Scotland

Valerie M.Thom

Poyser

1986

"This impressively comprehensive study and review of the birds in Scotland by Valerie Thom, editor of Scottish Birds and past-President of the Scottish Ornithologists' Club, may be said to follow on where the celebrated two volumes of The Birds of Scotland (1953), by Dr Baxter and Miss Rintoul, left off. It does more than that, however, since not only has there been a profound increase in ornithological coverage and data (as reflected in the species accounts), there have also been great changes in habitat and environment since the days of Baxter & Rintoul. These aspects form the themes of the ten preliminary chapters reviewing the Scottish scene today in terms of habitat, conservation, birdwatching and the changes in species status and distribution.The species accounts, the backbone of the book, review the period 1950-83 but include, where practicable, records of rarities and details of counts up to the spring of 1985; there are also brief summaries of earlier data based on the researches of Baxter & Rintoul. In all, 497 species are dealt with.The texts of major species accounts are complemented by 173 distribution maps and many tables of relevant data, and there are 129 species drawings by a team of artists under the editorship of Donald Watson, who also contributes chapter head pieces and other drawings. A section of photographs illustrates the varied habitats typical of Scotland today. There are, further, appendices and an extensive bibliography."

A Guide to the Birds of Scotland

Eric Hardy

1978

Scottish Birds

Norman Duerden

1976

Three 30 plus page books briefly describing Scottish birds.

Buy from amazon.co.uk

Buy from amazon.co.uk

Scottish Birds

A.B. Lees

1975

A 40 page book guide to Scottish birds.

The Naturalist In Scotland

Derrick Knowlton

1974

200 pages with b/w photographs and maps.

A Regional Guide to the Birds of Scotland

Kenneth Richmond

1968

"An introductory guide to 180 species of bird commonly found throughout Scotland in the best-selling pocketable Gem format. Unlike many field guides, Gem Scottish Birds does not cover birds which only visit occasionally, or which occur in such small numbers and are so difficult to identify that only experienced birdwatchers can spot them. Instead, it concentrates on the commoner species that the amateur birdwatcher is most likely to see, plus a few scarcer ones of particular interest. The entries are grouped taxonomically, with a detailed introduction to all the different habitats. There are also details of key identification features and behavioural characteristics which will help you identify each bird with accuracy and ease. Each entry includes: full-colour illustration; common name and Latin and Gaelic name; the season in which the bird is likely to be spotted; details on habitat, feeding habits and voice. There is also a section with up-to-date details about places of interest and the best sites to go for birdwatching, with maps and contact information to help you get there. Packed full of information, Gem Scottish Birds is the ideal guide for both visitors and residents of Scotland who wish to learn about the fascinating wealth of birds that can be found there."

The Birds Of Scotland: Their History, Distribution, and Migration

Evelyn V. Baxter and Leonora Jeffrey Rintoul

1953

A 2 volume, 700+ page description of the status of birds in Scotland.

Each volume has a colour frontispiece by G.E. Lodge.

The Geographical Distribution and Status of Birds in Scotland

Evelyn V. Baxter and Leonora Jeffrey Rintoul

1928

Hill Birds Of Scotland

Seton Gordon

1915

From the preface: "It must ever be the case that those birds Hving their quiet lives on the remote and inaccessible hillsides take from their surroundings a certain charm and distinction. It is this charm which renders the studying of these mountain dwellers a pursuit of exceptional interest. Many difficulties are set in the way: the hills do not yield the store of their knowledge easily; it is only to him who knows them in storm as in fine weather, and in the dead of winter as well as during long days of June sunlight, that they give a measure of their wisdom. The difficulty of investigating bird life on the highest hills is largely due to the absence of any suitable base in their vicinity; thus I would strongly advise any ornithologist who decides on studying the habits of hill birds to procure a good strong tent, which at the same time is not too heavy to be carried to the high corries."

Birds Of The Loch And Mountain

Seton P. Gordon

1907

From the preface: "I have always had a great love for the solitude and calm of the lone Scottish mountains, where a peace and happiness are to be found unknown to the dwellers in the plains. Here one seems to be apart from the sorrows and anxieties of the world, and the days I have spent among the Ptarmigan and Golden Plover at a height of considerably more than 3,000 feet above sea level I shall always remember as the happiest of my experience. What can be more lovely than a mid-winter sunset from a dark, lofty mountain, with many a snow wreath lingering on its slopes? As the sun sinks, the wide expanse of hill and valley is lit up in the soft glow, and the snow fields on the sister hills are changed from spotless white to a glorious rosy tinge, while the snow white Ptarmigan, wheeling across in the setting sun, have their plumage transformed to pink as they catch its rays."

Familiar Scottish Birds

Nicol A. Simpson

1907

"The habits, habitats and descriptions of 115 birds are described."