This book is a wonderful selection ofinspiring photographs reflecting life along 147 miles of fretted Caithnesscoastline in the far north of Scotland.Divided into five broad habitats:harbours; seas; beaches, dunes and links; sea cliffs and stacks; and rockyshorelines, each photograph is accompanied by explanatory information, openingthe door into a wider world for the interested reader. Fromtranquil, sandy beaches to imposing sea cliffs, rocky shorelines to wild surf,the Caithness coast is a delight for those who love nature and treasure thegreat outdoors.The geology of the coastal cliffs, where the Old Red Sandstonebedrock has been exposed to erosion from wind and wave over millennia providesa home for the vast colonies of breeding seabirds over the summer months and thedunes and links a haven where special little plants thrive despite theirexposure to the raw energy of the sea to the north and east - all these factorscombine to create one of the world's great coasts.This is a coast where lifeis challenged by the unforgiving conditions of Scotland's northernmost county;where life is at the edge of land and sea. Harboursprovide a focal point for wildlife, from the familiar sound of the herring gullperched on the harbour wall, always on the lookout for an easy meal from anunsuspecting summer tourist, to less familiar birds, such as sawbills anddivers taking advantage of the calmer waters of the harbour basins during thewinter.At sea, the sight of an otter feeding on a fish close to shore makesthe heart sing, whilst a tall triangular fin cutting menacingly through thewater, indicating the presence of an orca, makes the heart beat just thatlittle bit faster. Wadersscurry along sandy beaches feeding on the tide's bounty, and in the dunes andlinks there is an array of charming plants blooming during the summer months, amongwhich the Scottish primrose (Primulascotica) takes botanical pride of place; all attracting a range ofpollinators. Thereis so much to discover and such a remarkable diversity, whether in the sea, onthe beach or a rocky shoreline.Life atthe Edge takes you there, and in such captivating detail through both wordsand images.This is a book of natural wonders to be savoured and enjoyed, timeand again, enabling the reader to experience the essence of the natural historyof the Caithness coast.