Snappers capture best of islands

‘The Islands is for everyone who loves Scotland, who loves or may come to love small islands and who will revel in the life-enhancing experience of discovering them' - Peter Irvine. Above: Jura from Islay. © Mark Unsworth. See more at www. obantimes.co.uk

Scotland’s many, varied and much-loved islands have attracted travellers and visitors for centuries.

Peter Irvine, author of the best-selling Scotland the Best series, has now produced a different kind of guide.

Scotland the Best: The Islands is an appreciation of islands as unique geographical, natural and social entities, all intrinsically different but with shared histories, challenges and their own relationship with land and sea.

This beautiful book also sees the islands through other lenses: those of a curated collective of acclaimed Scottish and international photographers. Many live permanently on the islands, some are frequent visitors who hike, cycle, camp out and wait patiently for the light.

All pay homage to their subjects with time and respect and strive for distinction in an Instagram world.

Island-based photographers include Ben Shakespeare and Mark Unsworth on Islay, Andy Surridge on Arran, Ross Evans on Coll, and Cailean Maclean on Skye.