St Kilda is one of the more distant groups of small islands that are scattered around the west and north of Scotland. With stunning scenery, huge seabird colonies and the visible, abandoned remains of past lives, it is a place that draws many island travellers. The histories and myths associated with the archipelago have added intrigue to this remote part of the Western Isles. Many have concentrated on differences rather than similarities in the lifestyles of St Kildans compared to other island communities, whether in recent, historic or prehistoric times. This volume, which interprets archaeological research undertaken on the main island Hirta over the past twenty years, provides another view. Much still survives to be read in the landscape of pre-improvement, medieval and prehistoric settlement, and this encourages a fresh, integrated focus for island studies.

The Picts were a sophisticated and powerful people who dominated much of what is now Scotland for hundreds of years, before uniting with the Gaels to form the nation of Alba (later Scotland). Their language has all but disappeared, but their cultural heritage survives, above all in the form of hundreds of incised and carved stones, many marked with their distinctive symbols. Pictish symbols have provoked much curiosity and prompted many interpretations, some more fanciful than others. They are still the subject of debate among experts. This extensively illustrated book explores all the available information on the Picts in an appealing, accessible and authoritative way. It also includes full guides to the important collections of Pictish carved stones at St Vigeans in Angus and Meigle in Perth & Kinross.