BEST BOOK Here's a fascinating factual book which is well worth investing in if you're interested in Scotland's islands. Haswell-Smith, Hamish (1988) "The Scottish Islands: A Comprehensive Guide to Every Scottish Island" Edinburgh: Canongate Books Ltd, ISBN: 0862415799 (hardcover approx. £25)

Adams, Douglas & Carwardine, Mark (1991) "Last Chance To See" Pan Books, ISBN: 0330320025 (paperback approx. £8). After years of reflecting on the absurdities of life on other planets, Douglas Adams set out to find out what's happening to life on this one. Funny, touching, enlightening and sad.

Buchanan, John Lane (2001) "Travels in the Western Hebrides from 1782 to 1790" Maclean Press, ISBN: 1 89927204 6 (paperback approx. £9) In 1793 Rev Buchanan published a full account of his time spent in the Western Isles between 1782 and 1790. This rich insight on 18th century island life has never before been reprinted.

Buchanan, Meg ed. (1995) "St Kilda: The Continuing Story of the Islands" HMSO, ISBN: 0114951721 (paperback approx. £11). Essays by distinguished historians and scientists describe the history, buildings, archaeology, bird, animal and marine life of St Kilda. The book also features a striking collection of photographs.

Campbell, Andrew (2005) "Seashores and Shallow Seas of Britain and Europe" Philip's, ISBN: 0540087475 (hardcover approx. £10). More than 1000 species described by form, size, habitat and distribution. Combined with detailed and life-like illustration this is a must for beachcombers everywhere!

Cocker, Mark (2002) "Birders: Tales of a Tribe" Atlantic Monthly Press, ISBN: 0871138441 (hardcover approx. £15). Mark Cocker spent 10 days aboard Chalice in the summer of 2002 and was an entertaining, observant and witty companion. His book - observations of bird-watchers watching birds - reflects this.

Cocker, Mark & Mabey, Richard (2005) "Birds Britannica" Chatto & Windus, ISBN: 0701169079 (hardcover approx. £35). One enthusiastic reviewer says, "Birds Britannica is an incredible work of genius. This informative yet witty book is the natural history book of the decade." Companion volume to Flora Britannica.

Demét, Colin (2006) "Poetic Tales from St Kilda" Wordcatcher Publications, ISBN: 0955131820 (paperback approx. £10). The third book in the series of "Poetic Tales" by Colin Demét, these books have proved popular with islanders and visitors alike. Get your copy from Wordcatcher or call them on 01851 870303. 

Doubilet, David (1999) "Water Light Time" Phaidon Press, ISBN: 0714838284 (hardcover approx. £30). A huge, beautiful book containing wonderful views of maritime landscapes and above and below the water, every page is worthy of framing. Paperback and postcard book also available. Thanks Rachel for buying it for us!

Harman, Mary (2001) "An Island Called Hirte: History and Culture of St Kilda to 1930" Maclean Press, ISBN: 1 89927203 8 (hardcover approx. £35) This book looks at the people and their way of life, their homes, their farming, fowling and fishing, their customs and their contact with the outside world. A book of facts about St Kilda.

Gomersall, Chris (2001) "Photographing Wild Birds" David & Charles, ISBN: 0715311131 (hardcover approx. £20). An Amazon reader gives the book five stars saying, "The photos in this book are stunning. For any wildlife/bird photographer this book is worth reading. The author...knows his stuff."

Mitchell, Ian (2004) "Isles of the West" Birlinn Ltd, ISBN: 1841583227 (paperback approx. £10). Mitchell's thought provoking book exposes a gulf between local people and conservation organisations tasked with managing the land around them, often from 100s of miles away. "Bracingly acerbic and enjoyable".

Morris, Rosalind (1999) "Collins Gem Seashore" HarperCollins, ISBN: 0004723236 (paperback approx. £5). An introductory guide to 240 of the most common animals and plants to be found on and around the seashores of Britain and northwest Europe. Handy wee guide just right to fit in your pocket on a beach stroll.

Nicolson, Adam (2002) "Sea Room" HarperCollins, ISBN: 0006532012 (paperback approx. £8). The author's father bought the Shiant Islands in the 1930s and his son inherited them at age 21. This book is a biography of both a person and a place, an all-encompassing characterisation of this remote corner of the British Isles.

Quine, David & Baxter, Colin (2000) "St Kilda Island Guide" Colin Baxter Photography Ltd, ISBN 1841070084 (hardcover approx. £15). This guidebook explores the history and geography of Britain's most remote island archipelago. With drawings, maps, photos and detailed walks, it's an essential companion for visitors.

Quine, David & Baxter, Colin (2002) "St Kilda (A Souvenir Guide)" Colin Baxter Photography Ltd, ISBN 1841070831 (paperback approx. £4). A slim volume of high quality photographs as you'd expect from Colin Baxter. David Quine, an authority on St Kilda, provides the text using many of his favourite quotes.

Quine, David ed. (2001) "Expeditions to the Hebrides by George Clayton Atkinson in 1831 and 1833" Maclean Press, ISBN 189927206 (hardcover approx. £25). Journals by naturalist and ornithologist Atkinson of his visits to the Hebrides including St Kilda. With watercolours and line illustrations by fine artists of the day. 

Sterry, Paul (1997) "Complete British Wildlife: Photographic" Collins, ISBN: 0002200716 (paperback approx. £15). This photo guide describes almost all mammals, birds, butterflies, flowers, trees and shrubs likely to encountered by the keen amateur naturalist in Britain. Includes a few unusual species.

Weller, Monica (1998) "Voyage to St Kilda" Clan Book Sales Ltd, ISBN: 1873597053 (paperback approx. £8). The blurb says, "This book provides another dimension to the epic story of St Kilda. To travel with Monica Weller in poem, prose and photography is a moving and exhilarating experience." Black and white photographs.

video Scottish Natural Heritage have released five videos about the underwater worlds of Scotland's coasts and sea lochs (£4.50 each). The diverse habitats and wildlife that appear in the videos was filmed by divers and ROVs. "St Kilda below the waves" (left) is one of the five titles.