The small firm of Goblinshead has been establishing a reputation for Scottish guidebooks, among which the present example is to be the first of a series, each volume on a special theme. But libraries which have already purchased the same publisher’s Wee Guide to Scotland (RR 2003/357) should note that the sites listed in this volume at least are also described, in much the same form, in the larger work, though without the subsidiary material provided in this guidebook. There are 200 entries, ranging in length from about 50 to about 400 words. Some are illustrated, but the photographs are necessarily small to fit the narrow format. Besides a short description (revised up to 2001 at least) each entry includes opening hours, contact details, a National Grid reference and one to the map provided in the book. Mention is also made of such practical matters as disabled access and the availability of toilets and parking facilities.
The descriptions appear reliable, and the choice of sites is a wide one (I would have said “catholic” but this might be ambiguous), including churches notable not only for their history or architecture, but for the famous people buried there, and religious sites where no church is present: for instance, caves, crosses and holy wells (some of which are still in use). The compilers have not confined themselves to the well‐worn paths of tourism: few visitors will have the stamina to reach the early Celtic chapel on the island of Rona (by means of a 40‐mile boat journey from the north end of Lewis).
The book also provides a short introduction to Scottish ecclesiastical history, not entirely infallible (for the next edition the compilers might note that the Pope made the Scottish church directly responsible to Rome not after the Wars of Independence as stated, but before them), summaries of the lives of the 60 saints most commonly found in Scottish church dedications, a list of monastic orders with their significance to Scotland, a short architectural glossary with plans, and an index (commendable in such a short book). This useful guide will really fit into the pocket and will not make a large hole in the purse.
