The Outer Hebrides is an island archipelago on the remotest north-western periphery of a bigger island archipelago, itself part of Europe’s Atlantic coastline. And what is Atlantic Europe if not the north-western tip of the vast land mass of Eurasia? Here is an unrivalled sense of place, on the edge, the periphery, the brink.

Bruce Kendrick has been visiting these islands, regularly, since 1970. Art & Nature in the Outer Hebrides combines his highly commendable nature writing with fascinating stories of folk he has met over the years who create wonderful art and crafts in these remote islands. How do these artists, be they painters, potters, photographers, or poets, interpret their world of nature, their culture, their heritage, here in the wilds of the north-east Atlantic Ocean?

Like many worthwhile things in life, making art is not without its challenges. There will be setbacks on any lifelong journey but there will be triumphs too. If there is one trait these Hebridean-based artists do have in common it is their single-minded determination and persistence to create art, in all its many guises, from out of the deep well of their own imagination and their inescapable world of nature’s beauty and inspiration.

Bruce is also an accomplished nature photographer and his supporting images of both art and nature in these islands only add to the book’s appeal.

So come along and enjoy Bruce’s fine narrative style as he travels from Lewis in the north to Vatersay in the south where nature prevails and art flourishes.

Praise for the successful An Eye for Birds, also by Bruce Kendrick

‘…is a beautifully observed, exquisitely written, and a joy to read. …will be certain to delight anyone with an interest in the natural world. Thoroughly recommended’. British Naturalists’ Association  

This will be of immense appeal and interest to anyone with a love of the creative arts, nature writing, the environment, wildlife and the Outer Hebrides in particular. 

Praise for the successful An Eye for Birds, also by Bruce Kendrick

‘…is a beautifully observed, exquisitely written, and a joy to read. …will be certain to delight anyone with an interest in the natural world. Thoroughly recommended’. British Naturalists’ Association 

‘Bruce's wonderful high-resolution colour photographs, beautifully reproduced, illustrate their passions for art and nature and are an outstanding and valuable part of the book'. The Islands Book Trust Newsletter

'Beautiful Outer Hebrides in Scotland is packed with stunning nature and wildlife and is often captured best on canvas. Photographer Bruce Kendrick has done just that through his new and impressive book. ...richly illustrated with more than 100 of the author’s images of both the work of the artists and the magnificent nature of the landscape. ...the book really is a gem...'. Our Man On The Ground Travel And Lifestyle

' ...a deeply personal, idiosyncratic and fascinating book that should be considered an essential companion for anyone planning a visit to the Western Isles or Outer Hebrides. ...This is a book I thoroughly enjoyed and one I will keep to hand and read again before my next visit to the Outer Hebrides'. Undiscovered Scotland

'Bruce Kendrick is clearly an accomplished photographer... For those who have visited the Outer Hebrides this book will fondly remind them of their visit, and for those who have yet to visit, the authors descriptions and photographs will have you booking ferry tickets. ...a lovely, relaxing read and I have no hesitation in recommending it. Wildlife Detective, the blog of Alan Stewart

'The thrust of the fast-moving narrative recounts the author's absorbing birding experiences... ...enriched by interviews with some of the brilliant creative artists who have made their lives in the Outer Hebrides. ...excellent photographs, many by the author, including two of the 'thing' that caused him such euphoria'. The Heron, Lincs Bird Club

'If you're interested in the spectacular wildlife of the outer isles, you will enjoy this book' Birdwatching

Customer Comments