Well known to ancient Norse mariners, the Shetland Islands offer a fascinating cruising ground for today's less warlike sailors. There are numerous beautiful, if sometimes rugged anchorages, many harbours and several marinas all of which create a variety that ensures that one visit to these islands will not be the last. Natural scenery apart, one function of the ongoing drive to attract tourism is a strong appreciation of the benefits brought by visiting yachts, and this, coupled with the natural and very welcoming grace of the Shetland people, ensures a hugely warm welcome. Summer is the time to cruise these islands, one added benefit of their Northern location is the almost constant daylight, making both sightseeing and pilotage much more enjoyable. Summer is also the time when many of the island's towns and villages hold their annual festivals, often including yacht races and much waterborne hilarity. That is not to say that a visit in winter should be avoided; the annual festival of 'Up Helly Aa' at the end of January is an experience not to be missed. The riotous enthusiasm with which the ever-friendly Shetland Islanders share their annual celebration of Shetland history is likely to draw summer visitors back time and time again. Gordon Buchanan knows the Shetland Islands from visits over many years and presents detailed pilotage information on reaching and cruising this delightful area.

Part of the Clyde Cruising Club’s Sailing Directions and Anchorages series, Firth of Clyde extends beyond its titled area to the coast of Northern Ireland (Rathlin Island to Belfast Lough) and on the Scottish side southwards from Stranraer to Portpatrick and beyond to the Solway Firth and Cumbria. Firth of Clyde covers everything from the busy waters of the Firth of Clyde and River Clyde to the more remote areas of the wider estuary and connected lochs, including the protected and beautiful Kyles of Bute and Loch Riddon, Loch Fyne and the Crinan Canal. Coverage then extends west and south to encompass North Channel and Solway Firth. This new edition, updated by Geoff Crowley, continues the long-respected legacy of CCC publications for cruising sailors. The North Channel section has been extended to include details for Belfast itself. New photographs throughout illustrate the text and help orientate the navigator. Details on plans have been updated with reference to the new Imray 2900 Firth of Clyde chart pack for the area. References to Bob Bradfield’s useful Antares large scale charts are also included. Whether you are a local sailor or a first-time cruising visitor, Firth of Clyde is an essential companion in these waters. Updates and corrections are available via the Clyde Cruising Club website.

This lavishly illustrated book has been designed as a companion to the Clyde Cruising Club's Sailing Directions and covers the Scottish west coast from the Clyde to Cape Wrath and all the outlying islands. It was first written by the late Journal Editor, Mike Balmforth, in conjunction with the Editor of the Sailing Directions, Edward Mason, who has now prepared this updated first edition in collaboration with Imrays. Cruising Scotland provides additional information, points of interest and many photographs and is a fascinating and invaluable addition to the Club's publications. No yacht cruising the Scottish west coast should be without a copy.