Unlike in the rest of the United Kingdom the pier in Scotland has always seen as functional rather than as a pleasure pier. This was certainly the case on the West Highland Coast. During the nineteenth century and well into the twentieth century shipping was the only way to transport goods and people in and out of the West Highlands and Islands. Served by paddle steamers, puffers and small coasters, the piers served a vital function for their communities. Often with stunning mountain backdrops, many settlements clustered around the piers. Some piers, like at Oban could accommodate a number of ships at once, while others, such as at Scarinish on the Island of Tiree, were built with functionality in mind, providing for the needs of the inhabitants. Alistair Deayton brings together a superb selection of images of the West Highland piers. Telling their history and showing just some of the variety of vessels that called there. Included are the piers at Oban, Ullapool, Port Askiag, Kennacriag, Malliag, Tarbet and Armadale. From Macbrayne's steamers to the working vessels of McCallum, Orme and the puffers of Glenlight, a vast array of ships are shown. Many of the piers are still an important part of life on the West Coast with Caledonian MacBrayne ferries running between the mainland and the Islands.

Alistair Deayton is a well known author and an acknowledged expert on West Coast steamers. He has written numerous books on the subject including the hugely important Directory of Clyde Paddle Steamers. He lives in Glasgow.