How about that for a reading seat?
A stone-roofed shelter, a grassy bank for a cushion,
a river at your feet, moor and mountain as far as the eye can see.
We were on the island of Lewis last week, and that's me there in the top picture, book in hand and thick jacket on as it was quite brisk on Friday evening when that was taken. I'm sitting in what's known as Lady Mary's seat, a favourite spot of Lady Mary Matheson's; her husband Sir James Matheson* bought the island in 1844, and this vantage point is near their summer residence. I'm told her ladyship used to like to sit there reading, often with a dram to hand, but I didn't linger as there was a nip in the air and the midgies were gathering, though I did stay put long enough to read the passage in Robert Macfarlane's The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot
Lots more reading was done last week (I'll report soon) but all of it indoors - the weather was mostly wild!
*Somewhat tangentially but coincidentally, Sir James came from Shinness.
Nice photos - thanks, for sharing - have missed you - and hope your week was wonderful.
Posted by: Nancy | 30 July 2012 at 01:11 AM
What a lovely reading seat! Great pics, thanks for sharing!
Posted by: michelle | 30 July 2012 at 06:51 AM
I'm jealous, all islands are desirable holiday destinations, but none more so than Scottish ones. I've just finished Kathleen Jamie's second set of vaguely nature-themed essays, Sightlines, which has plenty of seastacks and birds to feed my deficiency.
Posted by: Chloe | 30 July 2012 at 09:30 AM
The Smell of Summer Grass (by Adam Nicolson) sheltered from the wind, by a South Uist sand dune - 2/7 days last week :)
Posted by: Fi Bird | 30 July 2012 at 10:33 AM
Super! I've read his earlier Perch Hill book (on which that one is based, I think).
Posted by: Cornflower | 30 July 2012 at 01:04 PM
Thankyou, Nancy, a great time was had by all.
Posted by: Cornflower | 30 July 2012 at 01:05 PM
It's a perfect spot.
Posted by: Cornflower | 30 July 2012 at 01:06 PM
I haven't read Kathleen Jamie yet, but her books sound perfect as 'open space' reading.
Posted by: Cornflower | 30 July 2012 at 01:09 PM
That looks so cool and refreshing-I wish I could transport myself there right now! Lovely photos!
Posted by: Danielle | 05 August 2012 at 04:33 AM