Iain Crichton Smith was one of the foremost poets of the 20th century, writing in English and Gaelic. His poetry often concerns itself with unsentimental views of life in the Western Highlands and Islands, and his dislike of, and opposition to, dogmatic authority. John Blackburn’s Scotnote analyses the religious, political and historical themes and patterns of Crichton Smith’s work, and is a suitable guide for senior school pupils and students at all levels.