In an interview on Silence

The next book is also about nature. Describe Sea Room.

Yes, it’s another ‘in the wild’ book. Nicolson inherited these tiny islands called the Shiants, which are in the Hebrides in Northwest Scotland. They belonged to his father and Nicolson has now given them to his son. Over the years he has spent a lot of time there, obviously, and this is the book he wrote about them. I like it because these islands at first sight appear to be in the absolute back end of nowhere. They are difficult to get to, way out in the wild and dangerous sea, and they are also really hostile, tiny and rocky. And yet Nicolson has found layer upon layer of history there, evidence of people being there for many different reasons. Some of them have been hermits, but also he has found evidence of farming and even settlements. Another reason I think I like it so much is because it’s actually very similar to what I do. He has had a prolonged experience with the islands, like I have with the moors where I live now. This kind of relationship affects the way you feel about a place, built up over time. It’s a fascinating relationship.