There’s Always The Hills, Cameron McNeish

Sandstone Press, £19.99 From his home in the Cairngorms, Cameron McNeish reflects on a life dedicated to the outdoors in this eagerly awaited autobiography.

The former international long jump athlete has written and made television programmes about walking and climbing in Scotland for the past 40 years, and has also travelled extensively throughout the Himalayas, Jordan, North America, Corsica and many other mountainous areas of the world.

Not bad for a young lad who grew up in the tough surrounds of Govan in Glasgow, where he discovered his fascination for nature while dodging classes at school to wander through the woods.

This triggered his ventures into the great outdoors and a love affair with Scotland’s mountains and hills.

McNeish fans will already know how he makes his way in the mountains, and how his unique outlook helps him achieve peace on the hills.

A gifted storyteller, he peels back the layers of his life and offers a personal and emotional look behind the scenes of his success.

This is a great read for anyone who enjoys our great outdoors and the wealth of tales that can be told about it – it’s both one man’s story and a candid, absorbing account for those with an interest in Scotland’s awe-inspiring wildlife. Review by Rachel Scorgie.

9/10