A 19th Century View Of 'Wild' Land

A 19th Century View Of 'Wild' Land

IN 1832, the Glasgow engraver Joseph Swan issued a volume of fine art prints made up from drawings by the Greenock artist John Fleming. Descriptions of the scenery were provided by John M Leighton, with introductory remarks on Highland scenery by Professor Wilson — otherwise known as “Christopher North”, of Blackwood’s Magazine fame. The volumes are typical of the print sets issued during the period, financed by advance subscription, containing flowery descriptions of scenery couched in the picturesque language of the time.

“Swan’s Views” are unusual, however, in containing views of some of the less obvious spots on the Highland tour route. Fleming provided no fewer than four Sutherland views for the second volume, including the one illustrated above. The others are of Loch Naver, Loch Assynt, and a view towards Beinn Mòr Assynt from Loch Ailsh, which is situated at the head of Glen Oykel a few miles to the north of Craggie.