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Under The Radiant Hill
£8.99
A lyrical, intimate and deeply rooted portrait of life, land and wildlife in one of the remotest corners of the Scottish Highlands.
Robin Noble reflects on a lifetime spent in Assynt — celebrating its rugged beauty, rich ecology and the resilient community who call it home.
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About the Ebook
Under the Radiant Hill is a rich, evocative exploration of Assynt — one of the most dramatic and remote landscapes in Britain. From the towering silhouettes of Quinag and Suilven to the intricate moorlands, lochs, burns and wild coastline, Robin Noble captures the region’s extraordinary natural beauty with deep affection and insight.
Drawing on a lifetime spent in the north‑west Highlands, Noble shares intimate encounters with the wildlife that surrounds his cottage beneath the ‘long mountain’ of Quinag — golden eagles circling overhead, otters slipping through the water, badgers and pine martens moving through the woodland.
But this is also a book about people. Assynt has played a pivotal role in the history of community land ownership, and Noble reflects on decades of involvement with the crofters, shepherds and families who shaped the area. From the old generation he met in the 1960s to the newcomers of later years, he offers a compassionate, grounded portrait of life in a remote, fragile community.
Part memoir, part nature writing, part social history, this is a heartfelt celebration of place — and of the deep connections between land, wildlife and the people who live alongside them.
Critical Praise
"A beautifully observed account of one of Scotland’s most remarkable landscapes — rich in detail, humanity and quiet wonder."
Why You'll Love This Ebook
- A vivid portrait of Assynt — one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Highlands.
- Intimate wildlife encounters with eagles, otters, badgers, pine martens and more.
- A lifetime of knowledge from a writer deeply embedded in the community.
- Perfect for readers of nature writing, Scottish history and landscape memoir.
- A standout Birlinn title celebrating land, life and belonging.
About the Author
Robin Noble is an environmental writer and teacher who has spent most of his working life in the Highlands and Islands, especially in Assynt, where he served as Chairman of the Assynt Community Council for ten years. His book Castles in the Mist: The Victorian Transformation of the Highlands was shortlisted for the Saltire Society History Book of the Year Award.
Publication Details
Publisher: Birlinn Ltd
Imprint: Birlinn
Publication Date: 7 September 2023
Print Length: 240 pages
ISBN (Ebook): 9781788855891
Format: Ebook
Language: English
Categories: Nature Writing & Gardening
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