A CLACKS man hopes his book exploring Scotland's wild secrets will open people's eyes to the natural wonders around them.

Nature writer Keith Broomfield, who has been writing his On the Wildside column in the Advertiser for years, has just released A Scottish Wildlife Odyssey.

The volume, published by Tippermuir Books, is a five-month voyage of nature discovery that includes familiar and lesser-known wildlife locations.

Written in Keith's familiar and engaging style, he charts a personal journey as he seeks out some of Scotland's more unusual creatures, including those found under the sea.

Keith said: “The book is a wildlife travel journey through Scotland, starting in the south-west and then zig-zagging my way across and up through Scotland, alternating between west and east, heading northwards all the while, until the trip ends in Shetland.

“This five-month journey was a snapshot of Scottish nature and a random dip into its deep riches.

“I hope it will open readers' eyes to what a wonderful country we live in.

“It is easy to take our nature and landscape for granted, which is something we should never do.

“I also hope it inspires, and if the book leads to even a handful of people becoming more interested and active in nature conservation, then I would be delighted with the end result."

Along his way to the north, the author meets a large supporting cast with wild goats, crooning eiders, white-blushed blackthorns, high-rise living water voles, pregnant seals, screeching terns, bottlenose dolphins, mysterious cuckoos, speedy slow worms, bonxies, sea eagles and jellyfish swarms all featured.

With hopes people will not take the landscape and its creatures for granted, Keith also looks ahead to the future.

The author said: “Whilst the book is a celebration of Scottish nature, it also highlights the very difficult environmental challenges we face to ensure we can live a more sustainable future, where both nature and humanity can prosper.”

His previous book, titled If Rivers Could Sing, chronicled a year of wildlife on the Wee County's River Devon.

As reported at the time, it was shortlisted at last year's Scotland’s National Book Awards.

Visit The Sorting Office in Dollar, Muircot Farm Shop by Coalsnaughton or tippermuirbooks.co.uk to pick up a copy of A Scottish Wildlife Odyssey.