RURAL PORTRAITS

SCOTTISH NATIVE FARM ANIMALS, CHARACTERS & LANDSCAPES

BY

POLLY PULLAR

ILLUSTRATED BY

KEITH BROCKIE

WITH A FOREWORD BY HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF BUCCLEUCH KT
PRESIDENT OF THE RSABI

A magnificent journey round Scotland encompassing every breed of Scottish native farm animal, and many of the colourful characters who keep them. Each chapter evolves through the meetings with the people both young and old. It is largely their anecdotes and nostalgia which shapes this fascinating book.

Here for example are tales from the infamous Lairg Sheep Sales, the Perth Bull Sales and the Royal Highland Show. Time is spent with the sea-weed eating sheep of North Ronaldsay, Blackface sheep, Belted Galloway cattle, Highland cattle, Clydesdales and Shetland ponies. There are amusing childhood reminiscences from remote Ardnamurchan, an account of an Ayrshire milking parlour at daybreak, a visit to the atmospheric bothy workshop of an elderly stick-maker, or the story of our newest breed of cattle, the Luing. From up and coming young farmers using embryo-transplant techniques for prime Aberdeen-Angus beef production in Orkney, to crofters in far-flung locations, "Rural Portraits" is richly varied.

Polly Pullar's writing is clear, informative and full of anecdotal humour and deep feeling for the countryside. Her vivid images of landscape and the sights and sounds of nature are stunning, perfectly complimented by the 116 detailed images of internationally renowned artist Keith Brockie. This comprehensive and thoroughly readable record of a vital part of Scotland's heritage is destined to become the definitive work on the subject. This is a book that will appeal to a wide audience of varying age groups.

Price £28 plus £2 p&p (GB only)
A donation from the sale of each book with be given to
the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution. <www.rsabi.org.uk>

Available mail order from :
Langford Press, 10 New Road,
Langtoft, Peterborough, PE6 9LE
Tel/fax: 01778 341132
email: sales@langford-press.co.uk
Major credit cards accepted

From the Foreword

"This is a book of surprises!"
"The brilliant illustrations by Keith Brockie provide the first striking impression."
"The timing is spot on, just when the survival of some of our native breeds is under threat."
"The charm and humour of Polly Pullar can hardly fail to bring a smile of pleasure to the most dour worshipper of pavement life in town and city."
"This is a book which positively invites the reader into a wonderful world, not of make believe but of reality. It deserves to find its way into every home and certainly every school and public library."

Half Leather-bound Limited Edition Book.
Rural Portraits, is also available as a half-leather bound Limited Edition volume of only 60 copies. With a gold embossed spine and hand marbled paper cover in a dark green slip case, every book is signed and numbered by both author and artist and includes a magnificent Keith Brockie signed Giclee print of a Highland cow and calf, also numbered and limited to 60 copies.

Only a very few left!
Phone or email for "Special Internet Price".

Available mail order from :
Langford Press, Book Corner. (see address above)

design by david®dmrl.co.uk

Next: FURTHER AFIELD >>

Some sample pictures from the book