Bridget MacCaskill has been observing otters for many years and studies undertaken with her late husband, Don, resulted in books and a film about otters and their environment. Otters are fascinating and delightful creatures but to watch them in their natural habitat requires immense patience over a long period of time, and an appreciation of their way of life. For those of us who wish to know more, this book presents an intimate account of an extended otter family.

It is written in the form of a story by an unseen observer and tells of the lives of two otter cubs, from birth until adulthood, their relationship with their parents and the other otter family on the loch, and their interaction with some of the other creatures there. Enter Coll and Coire, Kyle and Kelpie. All the events in this book are based on actual observation, either from watching the animals themselves, or by interpreting signs of their presence.

The result is a vastly enjoyable read that is true to nature, and not in the least sentimental. But it conveys a serious message - we must be aware of the need to minimise pollution, disruption of habitat and other harmful intrusions if we are to benefit from the presence of these wonderful creatures.

The book will appeal to everyone with an interest in otters, and all lovers of wildlife and the natural landscape.

The book will appeal to everyone with an interest in otters, and all lovers of wildlife and the natural landscape.

'Every now and then - but not really often enough - there comes along a little gem of a book. A simple tale, beautifully told, exquisitely described and finely illustrated. A real page turner. Such a book is Bridget MacCaskill's keenly observed A Private Sort of Life, an intimate account of an extended otter family....The story of Kyle and Kelpie with their cubs, Coll and Coire, is more of a prolonged observation by an unseen watcher. ... Someone really hooked on otters, with an enviable gift for transmitting her enthusiasm straight to the collective heart of her readers. This enthusiasm shines out from every page. ...However, amid the wonderment of the young otters' world, alongside the beautifully-crafted descriptions of their Highland environment, a message constantly seeps through. And it is the message of conservation. ... Otters are fascinating creatures. For me, 132 pages of pure fascination'. The Scots Magazine

'This latest book is the result of many years of studying and watching otters and is presented in a form of a story of two otters from their cub age to adults. ... It is not only impulsive reading, but also very enjoyable and very readable. ... The lines explaining what happens when the two cubs surprise a heron sitting on a pinnacle is priceless. ... The episode where a sea eagle continuously attacks Coire was some of the best natural history writing I have read for some time'. ' Highland News Group.

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