I think Sir Walter Scott, Landseer, MacLeay and others combined with Victorian romanticism,escapism and a thriving and immature tourist industry have all assisted in the rose tinted view of the Highlands. Many still believe to this day, that not so many years ago Highland Scots gentlemen tripped across the peat bogs in their best finery, festooned with swords, pistols and Lochaber axes, taking pot shots at some unbelievable stag, whilst at the same time wrestling with monster salmon. All of course attended by shaggy, bearded kilt clad Highlanders to pander to the gallent gentleman's every need. It was nonsense then and it is nonsense now, but some of it has stuck in our brain.

Wonderful scenery we have, history we have, tradition we have, good food and drink we have, some of the finest shooting and fishing in the world we have, fine and historic golf courses we have, much more we have, but the one thing we have never had in the Highlands were "rose tinted" glasses unless they were worn by those that were living in a world far removed from reality.