These poems were written between 1997 and 2003. They evoke a strong sense of Scottish history, on the land and at sea, in places ranging from Aberdeen to Cromarty (the main setting, especially for local stories such as Captain Reid's mermaid and the Sutors) and further north into the Highlands. Although there is a heavy sense of decay, in buildings, machines and people, this is due to the passing of time. Only the landscape remains pure and undefiled. The cover shows the ruins of Elgin Cathedral.