The Cruise of the Betsey is a forgotten classic of Scottish literature. Re-printed for the first time in a century, it is an ideal introduction to its author Hugh Miller, a titan of Victorian Scotland - self taught stonemason, crusading newspaper editor, social critic and advocate for palaeontology.

A classic of travel writing, it evokes the pleasures of Scotland's countryside, from the Hebridean islands of Eigg and Rum to Miller's native Cromarty, and from the Moray Firth to Caithness and Orkney. . But alongside the joys of discovering fossils, Miller bitterly condemned abusive lairds as the Clearances intensified.

The Betsey of the title was a Free Church yacht used by a minister as a home when refused permission to build a manse after the Disruption of 1843 which resulted in the Church of Scotland and the Free Church going their separate ways. Hugh Miller's travels put him in the vanguard of the old Scottish struggle for religious freedom. In his journeys meets numerous characters with whom he discusses topics of the day, and listens to their tales of the past.

This fascinating book tells us so much about the author whose thirst for knowledge and understanding of his world brings that world alive. Sadly he did not live long enough to see it published and to experience the recognition which he deserved.  But, thanks to funding support provided by the author’s descendants, the National Museums of Scotland were able to publish this book.

To give the modern reader full access to this nineteenth century classic, an introduction, notes and maps are provided as well as recommendations on places to visit.

"It is a delight to have this book available again, as a mirror both to its age and to the qualities of the great man who wrote it".  Prof T.C. Smout, Historiographer Royal in Scotland.

Paperback: 586 pages, 4 maps