PREFACE 



IN the following pages I have attempted to portray some of 

 the charm and the varying moods of the Hebridean coasts. 



In the chapters the reader will find something about the 

 wild life of that country, and I have also endeavoured to 

 describe a little of the people and their traditions. 



For the first two years of the war I was stationed on the 

 Island of Mull, and in my duties of coast-watching there and 

 on the surrounding islands had exceptional opportunities of 

 seeing the country and of getting to know its inhabitants, for 

 my work took me constantly to the most out-of-the-way places. 



I can honestly say that I have never met with people 

 possessing more charm and hospitality than those dwellers 

 of the Inner Hebrides. 



The Highland crofter or fisherman is almost always one of 

 Nature's gentlemen, and is full of an altogether exceptional 

 consideration and kindliness towards the stranger. In many 

 of the coast-watchers I found firm and loyal friends, and 

 consider that I was very fortunate in having such people to 

 work with. 



Since the war I have revisited the Hebridean Islands, 

 studying and photographing the birds and renewing old 

 friendships. 



Certain of the chapters of the book, as "The Mail-Boat, " 

 "Ardnamurchan," "The Big Glen," " Skerry vore," and 

 others, describe some of my experiences as Admiralty Patrol 



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