Faintheart

Seasoned journalist and writer Charles Jennings goes in search of the contradictions, cliches and surprises that make up a land that is singular in its clearly-held identity, cherished even by those with less than a second-cousin's-cat-once-removed claim to Scottish heritage. Stomping the quintessential Highlands from Inverness to Skye and risking frozen extremities to reach breathtaking Hebridean islands, he discovers a land of awe-inspiring beauty. And then travels city-wards to reach a nation of awe-inspiring iron(bru)-clad stomachs from the legendary deep-fried Mars Bar to the underrated and delicious haggis, classic oatcake, and fine whisky.Contemplating whether his great grandfather's legacy qualifies him to shed a tear at the sound of bagpipes, Charles Jennings compares the elegance of Edinbugh with the industrial action of Aberdeen, risks a pint in Kelvinside and sinks into the peaty bogs of Mull.