Heartland

A gripping Hebridean mystery about memory, identity and the secrets buried in the land we call home.

When your past is uncertain and your future unclear, where do you turn to find yourself again?

About the Ebook

"Where indeed do you seek sanctuary when your past has changed irrevocably, your memories are false and your future is uncertain?"
— Scots Magazine

Heartland follows Iain Martin, a man whose life has been shaken to its core. Hoping to rebuild himself, he returns to his Hebridean roots and begins restoring an ancient family blackhouse — a project he believes might help him reconnect with who he once was.

But as the stones are lifted and the past is unearthed, Iain discovers a long‑hidden secret that forces him to question everything he thought he knew about his family, his history and himself.

Set against the rugged beauty of the Isle of Lewis, Heartland is a powerful story of identity, belonging and the shadows cast by the past.

Critical Praise

"A fine, rewarding read."
— The Sunday Herald

"A combination of Changing Rooms and Agatha Christie… MacKay demonstrates a readable, easy‑going prose style."
— Scottish Review of Books

Why You'll Love This Ebook

• A compelling mystery rooted in family secrets and personal rediscovery.
• Evocative Hebridean setting rich with atmosphere, tradition and emotional depth.
• A powerful exploration of identity as Iain uncovers the truth about his past.
• Perfect for fans of Scottish fiction, island literature and character‑driven drama.
• Part of John MacKay’s acclaimed Hebridean novels exploring place, memory and belonging.

Also by John MacKay

Explore more fiction and non‑fiction by John MacKay:

• Notes of a Newsman
• Heartland — you are here
• Last of the Line
• The Road Dance
• Home

Or get everything in one place:

The Complete John MacKay Bundle

About the Author

John MacKay is a Scottish broadcast journalist and STV News presenter. As co‑anchor of STV News at Six and presenter of Scotland Tonight, he has covered many of the nation’s defining stories over the past three decades.

Drawing on the oral traditions of his Hebridean upbringing, MacKay has written a trilogy of bestselling novels set on the Isle of Lewis — including The Road Dance, which has been adapted for the big screen. His later novels continue to explore themes of identity, belonging and the enduring pull of home.

His non‑fiction work Notes of a Newsman charts Scotland’s transformation through the eyes of a journalist at the heart of the nation’s news.

Publication Details

Publisher: Luath Press

Publication Date: 22/07/2013

Print Length: — (Ebook edition)

ISBN (Ebook): 9781909912113

Format: Ebook

Language: English

Categories: Scottish Fiction / Mystery / Hebridean Literature

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access my ebook?

Download The Grey Hill App and log in using the same email you used at checkout. Your ebook will appear instantly in your library.

Can I read it online?

Yes — you can also access your purchases via our online reader at reader.thegreyhill.com.

I can’t see my ebook — what should I do?

Tap the refresh button in the app or online reader. If it still doesn’t appear, ensure you’re logged in with the same email used at checkout. If issues continue, contact us and we’ll help right away.

Can I gift this ebook?

Yes — you can purchase a Grey Hill Gift Card here: Buy a Gift Card. The recipient can redeem it on our store, and the ebook will appear in The Grey Hill App.