Island Going

In July 1935, Robert Atkinson and John Ainslie set out on an ornithological search for the rare Leach's Fork-tailed Petrel. Their quest was to last for twelve years and took them from their Oxford base to many of the remote and often deserted islands off the north-west coast of Scotland. Island Going is the account of their adventure. Not only is it packed with marvellous descriptions of the wildlife and landscapes of the islands as well as the journey itself, it also paints a vivid portrait of the way of life of the islanders and their history and traditions. 

Robert Atkinson was raised in southern England, but developed a passion for the islands, and just before the middle of the 20th century, unleashed a brand new style of island writing. Filled with energy and vigor, along with fantastic photography, Island Going remains his greatest legacy. Hamish Haswell-Smith is a retired architect and keen yachtmaster. An accomplished artist, his sketches and paintings have been exhibited in many British and European galleries. He lives in Edinburgh and continues to explore the Scottish Islands.