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Red Sky at Night
Having spent over 25 years as a shepherd in Scotland, John Barrington has developed a vast knowledge of Scottish history, folklore, mythology and legend that are clearly transposed into his novels. Barrington is a natural storyteller leading guided story-walks, relaying his stories in schools, clubs and societies and as an after-dinner speaker. Barrington's autobiography, Red Sky at Night won the SAC Book Award and was a UK no. 1 bestseller.
- GenresNonfictionScotland
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1984
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 20, 2017
Red Sky at Night by John Barrington is an enchanting account of one shepherd's year herding Scottish black-face sheep in Glengyle in the Trossachs near Loch Katrine. Following the rhythms of nature, Barrington takes us on a journey deep into the countryside where we behold the joys and heartbreaks of shepherding work, catch glimpses of the world which foxes, badgers, and hawks inhabit, and vicariously relish the bountiful country fare his wife serves up for dinner.
John Barrington is highly respected in Britain (and beyond) for his work with sheep and sheepdogs. He communicates his vast knowledge in a humble and subtle way that leaves the reader in awe of the skill required to be a successful shepherd. Barrington celebrates the high points of the shepherd's year and the many joys that come with working with animals. He also does not shy away from the necessary hardships and heartaches that inevitably arise. As each season comes around Barrington includes in his narrative details about weather changes, bird migrations, flora and fauna, and community happenings.
This book is an excellent way to gain a true picture of the life of a Scottish shepherd, the important yet hard work that involves, and the beauty and joy it brings.
"The blizzard struck from the north without warning, as sudden and brutish as a Viking raid. The wind tore at everything, searching out any weak point in a quest for absolute destruction. The stout walls of Glengyle house stood firm, but outside, who could tell what havoc the furies of the night were wreaking."
"By the time I reach the house, the other herds are already seated around the dining-table, tucking into one of Maggi's magnificent meals. Rich steaming soup is followed with roast leg of lamb accompanied by mint sauce. A set of big bowls containing cabbage, carrots, roast potatoes and one holding a mountain of creamy mashed potatoes, together with a giant jug of thick gravy, sit in the middle of the table....Maggi follows on well with generous helpings of rhubarb rumble and custard."
"It is not only on the arable land that a bountiful harvest is manifesting itself but along every hedgerow and in every thicket hips, haws, nuts and berries are maturing into full colour and ripeness. This wild harvest is every bit as important as that of the farmer."
Travel Notes: If you are at all interested in Scottish sheep, shepherding, or nature this is the book to read. The book would be pertinent to many areas of Scotland but is itself set in the Trossachs, near Loch Katrine. You can find information about Glengyle House, which John Barrington lived in, here. You can even find lodgings at the nearby Glengyle Steadings.
John Barrington is highly respected in Britain (and beyond) for his work with sheep and sheepdogs. He communicates his vast knowledge in a humble and subtle way that leaves the reader in awe of the skill required to be a successful shepherd. Barrington celebrates the high points of the shepherd's year and the many joys that come with working with animals. He also does not shy away from the necessary hardships and heartaches that inevitably arise. As each season comes around Barrington includes in his narrative details about weather changes, bird migrations, flora and fauna, and community happenings.
This book is an excellent way to gain a true picture of the life of a Scottish shepherd, the important yet hard work that involves, and the beauty and joy it brings.
"The blizzard struck from the north without warning, as sudden and brutish as a Viking raid. The wind tore at everything, searching out any weak point in a quest for absolute destruction. The stout walls of Glengyle house stood firm, but outside, who could tell what havoc the furies of the night were wreaking."
"By the time I reach the house, the other herds are already seated around the dining-table, tucking into one of Maggi's magnificent meals. Rich steaming soup is followed with roast leg of lamb accompanied by mint sauce. A set of big bowls containing cabbage, carrots, roast potatoes and one holding a mountain of creamy mashed potatoes, together with a giant jug of thick gravy, sit in the middle of the table....Maggi follows on well with generous helpings of rhubarb rumble and custard."
"It is not only on the arable land that a bountiful harvest is manifesting itself but along every hedgerow and in every thicket hips, haws, nuts and berries are maturing into full colour and ripeness. This wild harvest is every bit as important as that of the farmer."
Travel Notes: If you are at all interested in Scottish sheep, shepherding, or nature this is the book to read. The book would be pertinent to many areas of Scotland but is itself set in the Trossachs, near Loch Katrine. You can find information about Glengyle House, which John Barrington lived in, here. You can even find lodgings at the nearby Glengyle Steadings.
June 27, 2014
Very amiable and informative glimpse into the yearly cycle of a Scottish hill-shepherd. It's a no-fuss, straight talking account; no great literary genius here, but a pleasant read that naturalists will particularly enjoy.
September 30, 2020
It is interesting reading about places you know. This book is filled with a lot of absorbing facts, some of which I was learning for the first time. What I liked most was the snippets of folklore detailed within the book. The illustrations are also a nice addition. Mr. Barrington has led a life many a person would be envious of I think.
Red Sky at night recounts John Barrington’s time spent as a Shepard/farmer in the Glengyle area of Scotland.
My only criticism is, while I appreciate the life of a farmer may be rather repetitive, this does not always make for satisfying reading; tup this, tup that, tup, tup, tup - it did become rather wearisome.
Red Sky at night recounts John Barrington’s time spent as a Shepard/farmer in the Glengyle area of Scotland.
My only criticism is, while I appreciate the life of a farmer may be rather repetitive, this does not always make for satisfying reading; tup this, tup that, tup, tup, tup - it did become rather wearisome.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews