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Turas Troimh Alba, A Photographic Journey Through Scotland

Photographed and written by T.R. Gordon

Published by
Wanderings and Wonderings Publishing
515 Woodland Hills, Carthage, MS 39051

ISBN 0-9655320-1-1

A review (©, 2002) by the publisher, Wanderings and Wonderings Publishing.
Original Copyright by  T.R. Gordon. Used by permission of the author. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission of the author.

There are dozens of picture books of Scotland on the market, many of them large, glossy, coffee-table affairs, lavishly illustrated with full-color photographs and descriptive captions. Of the many on bookstore shelves, Turas Troimh Alba, A Photographic Journey Through Scotland, stands out from the rest. Like the other books, this one is filled with evocative photographs of the idyllic countryside and picturesque villages, and narrated by insightful text. But what sets it apart is the personal element that the author and photographer, T.R. Gordon, lends to his work. The passion he feels for the Scottish country and people is evident; Turas Troimh Alba is a testimony of one American's love affair with Scotland.

Gordon first encountered Scotland in 1983 when he was stationed at RAF Edzell on a two-year assignment with the U.S. Marine Corps. In what little free time he had, he often took off into the countryside on foot, by bicycle, or motorcycle. In the short period he was there, he explored as much of the area surrounding Edzell as he could, eventually coming to the know the backroads "better than the locals".

After his enlistment was finished, Gordon returned to America but his heart, as he readily admits, was still in Scotland. After several years of longing to return, he managed to arrange annual summer stints in Scotland: he took a job leading bicycle tours through the Dumfries and Galloway Region and the Borders Region. He spent May through October touring the region and sharing his passion and knowledge with others.

This intimacy with the land and its people further distinguishes Gordon's book. He is not simply a professional photographer on assignment in a country of beautiful landscapes. Gordon treats each of his subjects, both with his lens and with his pen, with a loving familiarity that only comes from knowing them firsthand.

Throughout his travels, Gordon encountered and photographed countless scenes through the country. But in addition to recording the castles and landscapes, he also took time to meet the people. The book is peppered with quintessentially Scottish characters such as Bert Rowan, the bagpipe maker; Harry the postcard vendor; an eccentric little lady called "Auntie B," and "The Birdman of Princes Street Gardens". A favorite photograph and accompanying story is of Walter Blakey, "The Mole Catcher", a portrait you are unlikely to see in any of the other picture books of Scotland.

The quality of the photography is superb, as evidenced by a senior editor at National Geographic magazine inviting Gordon to their offices after she saw the book and was intrigued by it. Other favorable reviews and endorsements range from British Heritage magazine to the Duke of Roxburghe. Gordon is presently doing freelance and contract work for Scottish Life magazine.

Whether you are a seasoned traveler to Scotland or have never been but dream of going, this book will take you from the Borders to the Highlands and from the East Neuk to the Western Isles. It is a journey to be enjoyed time and time again.

[Capital Scot advisory:This book has received most favorable acclaim from His Grace, The Duke of Roxburghe and from Leigh Ann Berry, Associate Editor, British Heritage Magazine.]

Turas Troimh Alba is available at select bookstores or through the author's website at www.turas-troimh-alba.com.
It is hardbound with 170 color photos and 120 pages. Price $25.00.

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