Reay Clarke's family were sheep-farmers at in the far north of Scotland for over two centuries. In this book he tells the story of the Clarkes of Eriboll and a way of life that has now vanished forever.

Seen through his own family's experience, he also considers the social changes sheep-farming brought about in the form of clearances (during which vast numbers were evicted for the development of sheep farming), as well as ecological considerations: in the early 19th century, the land as far more agriculturally productive and ecologically diverse than it is today.

In an extended Introduction, Professor James Hunter sets the book in context, exploring the pressing issues it raises - land use, ecology and environment - and explores Reay Clarke's own contribution to the debate on these topics.