This unique Regiment of Scouts was raised by Lord Lovat in 1900, mainly from Highland stalkers. Valiant, hardy and unorthodox, they and their successors distinguished themselves in two world wars. Serving in a variety of roles, they were always superb in fieldcraft, spying and reconnaissance.Today the Lovat Scouts' cap badge is proudly worn by the Orkney Independent Cadet Battery of the Army Cadet Force.The Lovat Scouts' story is told for the first time with eye-witness accounts of their exciting exploits and also of many strange and amusing incidents. Written with realism, humour and affection, this book is a living contribution to Highland and military history.

When a Scottish soldier finds love in the midst of war, he will go to any length not to lose it in this WWII epic by the acclaimed author of Ardnish. Like his father before him, Donald Angus Gillies is leaving the small highland village of Ardnish to go to war against a distant enemy. Joining the British Army’s Lavat Scouts, he is sent on a mission to the Alps, where he soon meets the beautiful Francoise, a French-Canadian agent of the Special Operations Executive. The pair immediately form a close bond, but when Francoise is captured, Donald Angus realizes how strong his feelings for her truly are. His desperate attempts to find her prove fruitless. But a posting to Canada leads to some remarkable news, not only about Francoise, but about his own family. Reunited once more, Donald Angus and Francoise plan to live together in his beloved Ardnish, but have one further mission to complete first – a mission more dangerous than anything they have ever faced before . . .

In September 1939, groups of horsemen in battledress cantered down a broad, grassy plain on the western edge of Europe. The young men of the Western Isles were going to war again. They included a tall, shy 24-year-old called Angus MacPhee (1916-97). Angus returned from war alive but in chronic mental pain and was referred to the asylum in Inverness, where he spent the next 50 years of his life there. During his time at Craig Dunain Hospital, he retreated into his own silent world, and did not speak again until shortly before his death. But 'the quiet big man' as he was known spent his time creating a huge number of objects out of woven grass, sheep's wool and beach leaves - mostly clothes, caps and hats - which he then let decay or deliberately burned. Only when an art therapist discovered him and his miraculous creations were some of them preserved for posterity. And only then did Angus MacPhee come home to South Uist, where he died a year later. The Silent Weaver is a rich, moving and enthralling exploration of mental health, the creative process, human frailty and ancient traditions.

John Buchan's Ultimate Collection offers a comprehensive look into the literary world of this esteemed author. Featuring 28 novels, over 40 short stories, poems, war writings, essays, biographies, and memoirs, this collection showcases Buchan's versatility and talent across various genres. His writing style is characterized by a keen attention to detail, a mastery of suspense, and a deep exploration of human nature. Set against the backdrop of the early 20th century, Buchan's works provide valuable insights into the social and political climate of his time. The vivid illustrations included in the collection further enhance the reading experience, bringing Buchan's words to life. Readers can expect to be captivated from start to finish by this diverse and engaging collection. John Buchan, a Scottish author and politician, drew inspiration from his own experiences and observations to craft his compelling narratives. His background in diplomacy and government service lends a unique perspective to his writing, adding an extra layer of depth and authenticity to his storytelling. Buchan's literary legacy continues to resonate with readers today, making this ultimate collection a must-have for fans of classic literature and historical fiction. With its rich array of works covering various themes and genres, this collection is sure to captivate readers of all interests and ages.

Young Donald Peter Gillies, a Lovat scout soldier lies in hospital in Gallipoli in 1916, blinded by the Turks. There he falls in love with his Queen Alexandra Corps nurse, Louise, and she with him. The story moves back and forth from their time at the field hospital to the west highlands of Scotland where Donald grew up. As they talk in the quiet hours he tells her the stories of the coast and glens, how his family lived and the fascinating life of a century ago: bagpiping, sheep shearing, celidhs, illegal distilling, his mother saving the life of the people of St Kilda, the navvies building the west highland railway and the relationship between the lairds and the people. Louise in turn tells her own story of growing up in the Welsh valley: coal mining, a harsh and unforgiving upbringing. They get cut off from the allied troops and with another nurse are forced to make their escape through Turkey to Greece, getting rescued by a Coptic priest and ending up in Malta. By this time their love is out in the open, but there is still another tragic twist to their story waiting on the way back to Donald's beloved highland home . . .