title: Exploring the Islands of Scotland: The Ultimate Practical Guide
author:  Julian Holland 
description: <DIV>Julian Holland trained as an artist at Cheltenham College of Art before going on to study graphic design, illustration and photography. He fell into a career in publishing when he was offered his first job as a book designer for <I>Readers Digest</I>, followed by stints as a magazine designer before ending up as a designer and art editor for Dorling Kindersley. From 1977 Julian was involved in freelance book design and book packaging, until a close brush with the grim reaper in 2004 inspired him to change his career and become a full-time author and photographer, concentrating on his two favourite subjects of islands and railways.</DIV>
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  DEDICATION
  
  For the skinny-dipping, confectionery-conveying companions, the bored back-
  seat drivers and gear-grinding gypsies, the laughing layabouts and secret-
  sharing surfers, the hand-holding hobos and the natural navigators.
  
  For friends and family.
  
  For those who stick with it when things get tricky.
  
  A sincere thank-you for being there.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  > CONTENTS
  
  ![](images/00316.jpg)
  
  [About this book](index_split_007.html#filepos6658)
  
  > [How to use this book](index_split_008.html#filepos8602)
  
  > [Introducing Scotland](index_split_009.html#filepos11415)
  
  > [How to get to Scotland](index_split_010.html#filepos15493)
  
  > [Maps and map reading](index_split_011.html#filepos19272)
  
  > [Where and how to stay in Scotland](index_split_012.html#filepos23517)
  
  > [What to travel with](index_split_013.html#filepos37239)
  
  > [Hiring a motorhome or camper van](index_split_014.html#filepos45738)
  
  > [Dos and don’ts](index_split_015.html#filepos49722)
  
  > [What makes the perfect travel