Whaling played a part in the subsistence economy of the Outer Hebrides for many centuries and has left a strong cultural legacy. In August 2007, The Islands Book Trust held a three day conference in Tarbert, Harris, entitled `Whaling and the Hebrides', with the aim of exploring both whaling in and around the Hebrides and the experiences of Hebrideans who worked in the whaling industry in the South Atlantic in the 20th century. This event brought together people from different backgrounds - geographically (from Norway and the Faroes as well as various parts of the Hebrides and Scottish mainland), and occupationally (from academic and scientific experts to those with practical experience of whaling in the South Atlantic). The variety worked well, leading to many friendships and new insights into a shared interest.
This volume brings together the various contributions, providing stimulating reading for anyone with an interest in the history of this forgotten industry.