Thomas Ratcliffe Barnett's Scottish nature writing conjured magical words of wisdom – Laura Waddell

The sun rises at Buachaille Etive Mòr in Glen Coe (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

In my latest antiquarian book browsing, I’ve made the acquaintance of Thomas Ratcliffe Barnett (1868-1946), a Presbyterian minister, keen walker, and observer of Scotland’s places and people.

My curiosity was piqued by the title of the otherwise unassuming, worn, blue book, Scottish Pilgrimage in the Land of Lost Content. To a modern ear, content sounds like digital noise, and its loss an appealing prospect. Barnett referred instead to contentment, and was highly attuned to the moods induced by Scottish scenery, composing short chapters detailing his treks around lochs, moors, hills, and historical sites, sharing tidbits of knowledge and conversations with locals – an intriguing pic’n’mix.

In his chapter, The Harvest of a Quiet Eye: The Beauty of Common Things, Barnett challenges himself to write about what is afore him, to record “with truthfulness and simplicity” what he has seen and heard.