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‘Pitlochry – A History’ 

– a new book by Colin Liddell

Fifteen years ago, Colin Liddell published the first comprehensive history of Pitlochry and District for some 70 years. It sold out rapidly and a second edition soon followed, which also sold out, leaving people ever since having to search internet bookshops for second-hand copies.

That search will end soon, because The Watermill Bookshop in Aberfeldy is about to publish Colin’s comprehensively updated and expanded local history (over 100,000 words and over 275 images and photos in 256 pages), entitled Pitlochry – A History, which will be available from October 2008.

In truth, Colin has never stopped researching and writing during these last 15 years and the fruits of his labours can now be discovered in his plain-speaking explanations and insights. Colin is also well-known for his talks and presentations on Victorian Pitlochry, Wade’s Great North Road and other interesting topics, many aspects of which appear in the pages of his new book.

As a native and third generation lawyer in Pitlochry, Colin is well placed to be a local historical narrator. In this book he succeeds bringing to life detailed historical research with anecdotes and asides.

As Colin says in his Introduction “Anyone who has heard two versions of a road accident is likely to appreciate that recollections of historical events frequently vary. So it is with history, which is always in a state of flux…in the light of new evidence or new interpretations. This book repeats some of the best known and most documented legends and stories of the district, without attempting to conclude that they are correct in every respect. In short, it tries to let the atmosphere of bygone days shine through.”

The book is wide in its range and depth, giving a primer in Scottish history and a geology lesson, as well as the more ‘normal’ fare of a local history. Stone circles and Pictish settlements are documented. So too is the motorcyclist who carried out a ‘daring ascent’ of the Black Spout ravine in 1933 and the recycling of a Roman wine bottle to create a glass toggle for a local family in the 1st century AD. The fate of the MacGregors and the Battle of Killiecrankie are recounted, as are many interesting tales about Pitlochry between its creation in 1728 and now.

“Whether there’s a local person seeking to find out more about their home district or someone living further away who wants to know more about their forebears, this is a book with rich interest and one which it will be a delight to see on our shelves soon,” said Kevin Ramage, owner of the Watermill Bookshop in Aberfeldy.

Enquiries and pre-orders can be made by post to the Watermill Bookshop (price £20 plus carriage £5) The Watermill, Mill Street, Aberfeldy, PH15 2BG 01887 822896