Geographical confusion on unspoilt wilderness

I WAS intrigued by the recent correspondence about Caithness from Delia Dove, formerly of Halifax (Yorkshire Post, November 11), and Charles Taylor of Barnsley (Yorkshire Post, November 16).

I have never visited “the last great unspoiled wilderness of the British Isles” but ignorance has never been an impediment to my letter writing so I would like to add my tuppence worth.

Your caption to the photo is misleading: Caithness may be under Scottish Highlands administration but, if my geography is correct, the region is 80 per cent lowland and Thurso, where Delia has set up house, is an outpost in a flat wilderness.

I am reminded of the travels of Anglophile American writer Bill Bryson who, incidentally, lived in North Yorkshire for some time – apologies to our Celtic neighbours for not knowing the Scottish equivalent of “Anglophile”.

However, in his book Notes From a Small Island he recalls staying at a pleasant bed and breakfast. “I must make a note of it for the next time I am in Thurso,” he mused.

And they say the Americans don’t get irony...