The names on the Scottish landscape conjure up romantic visions of the country’s past, the sound of bagpipes through the mist, kilted warriors off the battle, clan feuds and heart-wrenching love stories.

Even if those stories hadn’t been handed down to us, the landscape today would still inspire them. Scotland’s wild beauty and serene loveliness are here in these pages in colour photographs of a land unique in all the world.

There are millions of people all over the world who thrill at Sir Walter Scott’s words: "This is my own land, my native land!" This photographic tour is dedicated to them, the ones who went away but keep Scotland in their hearts wherever they may be. It also serves to explain why their loyalty is so unflagging and why even those with no drop of Scottish blood in their veins share their enthusiasm.