Amazing & Extraordinary Facts: The Scottish Countryside

Season by season—and whatever the weather—Scotland’s countryside is an endless source of wonder, enjoyment, and discovery, whether on mountains or heather-clad moorlands, in glens, rivers, and lochs, or on its myriad islands. In landscapes that can even light up at night with spectacular auroras, there is something to admire, not least because Scotland is home to many animals and plants rare or absent in other parts of Britain. You will find capercaille, pine martens, mountain hares, golden eagles, and leaping salmon here. Scotland even has its own rainforest. In addition to its unique natural history, Scotland’s countryside has engrossing tales to tell. It has megaliths as old as Stonehenge, treasured remnants from Roman invasions, and cairns with vivid histories. So many places still echo victory and heartbreak, myth and mystery, and the deeds of kelpies and selkies. Here, you will discover why it has inspired many artists, poets, and filmmakers over the centuries. You will find the answers to these intriguing questions as you explore Scotland’s countryside. How much carbon is stored in Scotland’s precious peatlands? As well as Loch Ness, which other lochs are home to mysterious creatures? What is airglow, and how does it form in the Highlands? How, according to legend, did midges prevent Scotland from invasion? Why were red deer once called ‘fairy cattle’? What attributes make red squirrels so active? Where can you find reindeer, ancient horses, jelly lichens and the world’s oldest fossil?   The Amazing & Extraordinary Facts series presents intriguing, surprising, and little-known facts and stories about various topics guaranteed to inform, absorb, and entertain equally. This is the ideal gift for any fan or those interested in history, culture, society, heritage, or anything else!