War Paths

Walking the Routes That Shaped Scotland's Bloody History

Alistair Moffat traces Scotland's ancient battle roads on foot

About the Ebook

Acclaimed historian Alistair Moffat sets off in the footsteps of the Highland clans and their definitive conflicts. In twelve journeys he explores places of conflict, recreating as he walks the tumult of battle. As he recounts the military prowess of the clans he also tells of their lives, their language and culture before it was all swept away. From the colonisers who attempted to 'civilise' the islanders of Lewis in the sixteenth century through the great battles of the eighteenth century – Killiekrankie, Dunkeld, Sheriffmuir, Falkirk and Culloden – this is a unique exploration of many of the places and events which define the country's history. The disaster at Culloden in 1746 represented not just the defeat of the Jacobite dream but also the unleashing of merciless retribution from the British government which dealt the Highland clans a blow from which they would never recover.  

Locations included are:

• Prestonpans
• Glenfinnan
• The Isle of Lewis
• Edinburgh
• Inverlochy
• Tippermuir
• Mulroy
• Killiecrankie
• Dunkeld
• Sherriffmuir
• Falkirk
• Culloden Moor
• Arisaig & Morar

Why You'll Love This Ebook

• Walk in the footsteps of armies, kings, and rebels across the Scottish landscape
• Discover the geography behind Scotland's most famous battles
• Combine landscape, history, and personal journey in one compelling read
• Read another celebrated title from Birlinn Ltd - Independent Scottish Publisher

Reviews

'This is a splendid book — evocative and enlightening. Study it and take it with you if you set out to explore these scenes of long-ago battles' The Scotsman

'A marvellous book in which the author takes you by the hand and leads you through some of the pivotal moments in Scottish history' Undiscovered Scotland

'He clambers through terrain described with vivid, sensory immediacy, telling the story of each battle and offering terrifying glimpses of Scotland's past' The Tablet

'There are digestible explanations of the complex politics that drew so much blood — a stirring account' Country Life Magazine

'Centuries melt away in this riveting read' Sunday Post

About the Author

Alistair Moffat was born and bred in the Scottish Borders. A former Director of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Director of Programmes at Scottish Television and founder of the Borders Book Festival, he is also the author of a number of highly acclaimed books. From 2011 he was Rector of the University of St Andrews. He has written more than thirty books on Scottish history, and lives in the Scottish Borders.

Publication Details

Publisher: Birlinn Ltd

Publication Date: 03 August 2023

Print Length: 304 pages (Ebook edition)

ISBN (Ebook): 9781788855877

Format: Ebook

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