An insight into the early life and inspirations of one of Britain's best-loved writers, this book looks to Potter's own journal to reveal the influence of the Perthshire countryside and Sir Walter Scott on her writing.

The name of Beatrix Potter, author and illustator of the world-famous 'Peter Rabbit' books, is automatically associated with the English Lake District. It was, however, a different place that first inspired her imagination: the beautiful countryside of Highland Perthshire.

Spending every childhood summer for 11 years at Dalguise House near Dunkeld, Beatrix Potter fell deeply in love with Scotland. Memories of enchanted summer days and long adventurous rambles were a never-dwindling source of inspiration. And it was when she returned to Scotland as an adult that Peter Rabbit was born.

Beatrix Potter grew from a questioning, intelligent child into an energetic and talented woman during her visits to Scotland. She was passionately interested in natural history throughout her life, from childhood investigations into the anatomy and habits of all sorts of local wildlife, to mycology, conservation and farming in later life. Her Journal, written in a code only cracked 14 years after she died, reveals her fascination with the flora and fauna of Perthshire, and the people she met there.

Lynne McGeachie, a member of The Beatrix Potter Society for many years and translator of The Tale of Peter Rabbit into Scots, allows Beatrix Potter's voice to ring out in her own letters and diary entries. They tell the tale of one of the best-loved writers in Britain.

Beatrix Potter's Scotland gives insight into the life of one of the best-loved writers in Britain. Based around Potter's own journal, the book goes into detail about her upbringing and influences. She was largely brought up by nannies and governesses and even as a young child, she was perceived as highly imaginative and extremely intelligent, with a talent for drawing and a keen interest in science.

The book details how Potter fell in love with the Perthshire countryside where she spent many summers, and how this helped her to create the characters Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and Mr Jeremy Fisher among others. The book also highlights how Walter Scott was an inspiration and was hugely admired by Potter from a young age. From the writer who brought you The Tale O Peter Kinnen, we learn about the creative literary genius that was Beatrix Potter.