Overlander by Alan Brown

Published by Saraband

Judges Comments:

'Overlander is set apart by its insistence on travelling at its own pace, ad resisting the need to take the country at speed and by numbers. It’s a humorous journey through the heart of Scotland which captures the sometimes surprisingly wild and forbidding beauty of the Highlands, exploring the ever pertinent concern of land ownership.'

Saraband:

'I could not be more delighted for Alan Brown that his fascinating account of a life-changing challenge has been selected for this prestigious shortlist. Overlander is a wonderful piece of writing – inspirational, thought-provoking and a heartfelt homage to Scotland. We look forward to seeing his next writing project soon.'

Alan Brown:

'Like many Scottish people, books have been fundamental to my world from the day I could read, but I never really saw myself as someone who could write one until Overlander forced itself into existence. I have simply never been part of the world of writers and publishers so to find my work shortlisted for a prize so famous even I have heard of it is truly humbling. It's also a fitting tribute to the team at Saraband who refined and polished my rough text with grace, precision and skill.'