By Ian Stephen
This is story-telling at its very best. Ex-Coastguard Ian Stephen has a way with people that allows him to pick up the folklore and backstories of the places he visits in a series of different boats. Each chapter is on a different boat. The folklore is skilfully woven into the sailing narrative so that the reader acquires a deeper appreciation of the area, the people and the history while hardly noticing whether you are reading about the present day or some fabulous chapter of Scots history brought to life on the page. Ian uses poetry and provides sketches and diagrams to inform the reader as well as the odd map for reference. A sheer joy to read. EW
£18.99 Pub: Bloomsbury 2017