Author : Bernard Byrom
ISBN : 9781840334944
Cover : paperback
Price : £11.95

In the 18th century, when excise duty on whisky was 10s 2d in England but only 6s 2d in Scotland the secluded bays of the Colvend coastline were a haven for smuggler's activities. Salt, whisky, tea and gin formed part of a thriving illicit trade alongside more legal activities. Today the main source of income is the leisure industry and this attractive collection of photographs from the early to mid 20th century make the reasons abundantly obvious. The attractive coastline with it's abundance of safe inlets and secluded beaches coupled with the timeless quality of the villages and towns offer a peaceful retreat from modern stresses. From the silhouetted figures against the sunset over Roughfirth Pier to the Rockcliffe Postman' horse and trap and the elegant interiors of the Barons Craig hotel, dating from 1880, this book is a testament to a gentler time. Bernard Byrom's caption's are very well researched and his introductory history is fascinating.