This is a travel book, travelling along roads that no longer exist, or are overtaken by modernisation.
Alistair Moffatt walks along Scotland's 'forgotten roads. These include the 'Invasion Road.' This brings us over the Lammermuirs and Cheviot hills following the road developed by Gnaeus Julius Agricola, the then governor of Britain, he thought. Around the year 78 AD Agricola brought some 10,000 men north, half of them along this road through the hills. His intention was to conquer the northern arts of the island, and like many who followed him, he would claim success but return home empty. From Chew through Pennymuir, and over the Tweed at Trimontium and finishing at Lauder, the author attempts to follow what remains of this road. Few outlines can be discerned on such roads, farming and age wearies them, but occasionally the line can be found and followed, with some objects from a distant past to be found. Just walking in such a road could be a historical experience in itself.
Many such roads are followed in this book. The ancient road north of the Tay, the pilgrim road to St Andrews, the 'Herring Road,' where fish would be transported from Dunbar into the hills, often on women's backs, to Lauder and all places in between.
These ancient roads, that arose out of need, now lie still, often untouched by modernity. They do offer an insight into the lives of those who crossed them, whatever their driving force. Walking while carrying a pack on the back, is indeed hard work. People had to be tough to survive, and they reveal just how soft we modern people are today. While we are healthier, they are much fitter and very much stronger. Sitting around while we travel does not keep us fit. Working until death did not do much for those of the past either I suppose.
While claiming to originate from a council estate the author gives clear information as to his now middle class lifestyle. For instance, 'The Road to Ruin,' a walk down Edinburgh's High Street, the 'Royal Mile,' gives clear indication of where he is now. As he worked for the Edinburgh Fringe office on the high Street he was close to the long history before him. He chooses however, to limit what he sees. While occasional references to rugby are noted in this work when discussing the inset for the 'Heart of Midlothian,' placed where that old building once stood, he deliberately ignores much of Edinburgh. The author mentions the old tale that people would spit on the inset as they passed, remembering the old prison that stood there, purposely ignoring that today no-one remembers that. Instead they spit because this is the badge of the Heart of Midlothian football club, and other clubs followers spit for childish spite, not because of a long gone prison. Murrayfield and Scotland's rugby is remembered however. In my view, and I suggest the view of many others, this weakens his claim to be seeking Scotland's past. When putting your nation under English rule you are not supporting Scotland. This devalues the historical aspect of his writing.
The book is however, worth a read.
