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Highland Hermit
James McRory Smith lived for over 30 years at Strathchailleach, one of the most remote cottages in the Britain Isles. Standing in the shadow of the squat stone structure, it is hard to imagine a more isolated spot. The building sits alone in a vast tract of empty, featureless terrain to the south of Cape Wrath, in Sutherland. There is no access road, no running water, no electricity and no telephone. Yet James McRory Smith survived here, battered by the elements and devoid of human company. His story is a fascinating account of a man pitting his wits against the wilderness, enduring endless isolation and existing, for a large part, off the land. James' lifestyle belonged to a bygone age, yet he lived it in the 20th century, turning his back on the luxuries and conveniences of the modern world. This biography provides readers with an inspiring account of a modern day hermit. It offers a rare insight into an alternative way of life, one that is far removed from the norm. At a time when people are becoming increasingly concerned about consumption and consumerism, and their impact on the environment, James McRory Smith's story demonstrates the practicalities and challenges of the frugal, self-sufficient lifestyle many people dream of. However, this is not intended simply as a social history, is also a true-life story of adventure and survival.
- GenresScotlandNonfiction
127 pages, Paperback
First published November 8, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 11, 2018
A great wee book about a guy and his 30 year solo existence in the wilderness of North Scotland without any modern conveniences or services... I can see the attraction!
March 29, 2022
James Morley smith
Interesting book about an interesting man.
I liked how the author didn't try and gloss over James's bad sides to his personality. He was a highland hermit but he will beg, chest and steal given any opportunity. I cm see why he was liked and disliked by the locals. I'm looking forward to going to visit this bothy in the next few weeks. For that reason it's a great book to understand the ins and puts of this particular bothy
Interesting book about an interesting man.
I liked how the author didn't try and gloss over James's bad sides to his personality. He was a highland hermit but he will beg, chest and steal given any opportunity. I cm see why he was liked and disliked by the locals. I'm looking forward to going to visit this bothy in the next few weeks. For that reason it's a great book to understand the ins and puts of this particular bothy
October 15, 2019
A thoughtful account of an extraordinary life
I enjoyed this detailed, thoroughly researched story of a man who chose not to follow society's rules. It gave a strong visual sense of the beautiful but challenging Scottish countryside and the hardships of winter. It's a shame that the book contains a few typos, which made it seem less than professional on one or two occasions. It deserves a better final edit.
I enjoyed this detailed, thoroughly researched story of a man who chose not to follow society's rules. It gave a strong visual sense of the beautiful but challenging Scottish countryside and the hardships of winter. It's a shame that the book contains a few typos, which made it seem less than professional on one or two occasions. It deserves a better final edit.
January 30, 2020
I really enjoy reading about hermits as I'd quite like to have a go at being one.
This account is particularly enjoyable and inspiring. We journey with Mr. Carron into what sounds like the wildest and loneliest and most beautiful part of Scotland to meet our hero Mr.Smith. Words seem inadequate to express my admiration for this man and his strength of character. Not only that, he had a quite magnificent beard.
This account is particularly enjoyable and inspiring. We journey with Mr. Carron into what sounds like the wildest and loneliest and most beautiful part of Scotland to meet our hero Mr.Smith. Words seem inadequate to express my admiration for this man and his strength of character. Not only that, he had a quite magnificent beard.
December 3, 2019
Super story of a hermits life
The writer gives us an account of the Hermits life. Although very brief detail of the past life he does so portray a fallen man, who desperately chose to get away from it all and returned to his beloved Scotland and found seclusion in his night life. All be it a fairly primitive life
The writer gives us an account of the Hermits life. Although very brief detail of the past life he does so portray a fallen man, who desperately chose to get away from it all and returned to his beloved Scotland and found seclusion in his night life. All be it a fairly primitive life
May 9, 2018
Excellent profile of this incredible mans life, well researched and executed.
Very moving and engaging throughout. Sad but an incredible story of survival.
Very moving and engaging throughout. Sad but an incredible story of survival.
July 14, 2020
An interesting man but the book stretched it too far and there was a lot of padding
September 9, 2021
true life story stranger than fiction
A very good read. Fascinating true life tale of perhaps the UK’s last hermit. Also a glimpse of a rare wilderness.
A very good read. Fascinating true life tale of perhaps the UK’s last hermit. Also a glimpse of a rare wilderness.
October 3, 2022
A fascinating book about an extraordinary character and his reclusive way of life
September 5, 2023
Fascinating.
A fascinating look at the life of a man who wished to lead his life in isolation. Great read could not put the book down.
A fascinating look at the life of a man who wished to lead his life in isolation. Great read could not put the book down.
November 19, 2023
A year ago, as I was planning a trip to Scotland, I wanted to incorporate a "side trip" and bothy hike to Strathchailleach, but the logistics of getting there, combined with the unpredictability of the weather caused me to abandon the plans. This book was given to me as a gift. Much to my surprise, Strathchailleach was the abode for the Highland Hermit for 32 years, and reading about McRory both reinforced my desire to visit the place and validated my reasons for abandoning that trip a year ago. Part biography, history, and travel guide (in its way), James Carron writes an engaging story of a person and a place, capturing both the romance and the harsh realities of living in this remote corner of Scotland.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews