Highland Targets and Other Shields

The book turns its focus to a surprisingly under‑studied corner of Scottish heritage: the weapons and shields of the Highland clans. It explains how even many modern Highlanders can’t pinpoint the age of these pieces, and it sets the material in the wider context of European armour studies while noting the scarcity of illustrated Scottish examples. By drawing on recent discoveries and museum collections, the author begins to map out a forgotten tradition of martial craft.

From simple round bosses to elaborate kite‑shaped targets, the text surveys the many forms a shield could take, linking Scottish designs to ancient Greek, Roman and even far‑off tribal examples. Detailed woodcuts accompany discussions of finds such as a brass‑mounted shield recovered at Benibreae and bronze specimens from Yetholm, giving listeners a vivid sense of the ornamental detail that defined each piece. The narrative stays grounded in the first‑hand archaeological record, inviting anyone curious about the material culture of the Highlands to explore its rich visual history.