The Friends of the Far North Line
Cairdean Na Loine Tuath
the campaign group for rail north of
Inverness - lobbying for improved services for the local user, tourist and freight
operator
£15.00 direct from www.davegoulder.co.uk
What a fantastic mix of autobiography, history, songs, photographs and drawings.
Dave Goulder worked for BR in the English Midlands until 1961 when he realised that "a lifetime of shovelling wet ashes is not what I have in mind" and went to live in Wester Ross. I'm not going to give anything else away - you'll have to buy the book!
If you do, I strongly recommend that you learn to read music, if you can't already (and, by the way, it's extremely easy!), so that you can sing along in your head with all the songs as you laugh at the stories and enjoy the pictures.
I know this book fits under both my personal hats of music and railways, but it's one of the most enjoyable reads I've had. It's not cheap but when you see the quality of the production you won't mind that at all.
This is also a good place to mention that if you fancy the idea of spending a few nights in [ex-]Ardgay signalbox now's your chance...
[See Dave's website for details]
Mark Watson with Jenny Bruce ISBN 978-1-901971-14-9 £6.50 inc. p+p
Some copies are available in local outlets e.g. the Castletown and Wick Heritage Centres. Copies can also be obtained by BACS or cheque payable to the Scottish Industrial Heritage Society from:
'rcrollo at btinternet.com' or
Robert C Rollo, Treasurer, Scottish Industrial Heritage Society
23 Lady Jane Gate, Bothwell, Glasgow, G71 8BW
I found this guide rather inspiring, it covers so many different categories: bridges, mills, doocots, harbours, roads... I wish there were something similar for where I live.
I can see at least two great uses for a book like this - those times when something catches your eye and you want to know more, and a resource for when you fancy a bit of exploring and are looking for ideas.
It seems a little churlish to point out an error but as we are a railway campaign group I have to mention the note about the Wick and Lybster Railway being narrow gauge. It was standard gauge but 'light railway'!
These 40 pages are packed with colour photos, maps and drawings. The contents are arranged geographically rather than by subject, which increases the chances of stumbling across something fascinating that you weren't looking for.