The Western Isles have a significant and viable history stretching back two millennia. Settlers and visitors have come and gone but all have left a lasting mark on the landscape of today. Ancient stones stand as a silent witness to an intriguing past. Early Celtic churches are evidence of a strong faith which remains a deeply entrenched aspect of contemporary island life. Drawing on every source, from pre-historical artefacts to documentary evidence from the mid-16th to the 20th century, Francis Thompson offers an accessible insight into the unique island heritage of Lewis and Harris. Detailing the island clans, the monuments and the crofting way of life, he emphasises the importance of the landscape beneath. To walk a land is to know it and this is the book to take with you. Whether you visit Lewis and Harris or read the book first, the one will make you want to experience the other.