Ben Lawers and Loch Tay mapped out in National Library of Scotland’s unique display

Jul 13 2010 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A UNIQUE map of Ben Lawers and Loch Tay is among a selection of Scottish manuscript maps which were created in the 16th century by Timothy Pont, and which are being displayed at the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh.

Pont, who created the first comprehensive survey of Scotland and whose work formed the substantial basis for the first Atlas of Scotland, generated an impressive collection of maps which have become one of Scotland’s greatest historical and geographical treasures. Created over 400 years ago and hand-drawn on 38 fragile sheets of paper, his maps offer a detailed account of Renaissance Scotland.

Pont recorded the phonetic pronunciation of Scottish place names which adds to the value of these primary resources. The maps also highlighted the location of large castles, tower houses and burghs – these landmarks were drawn by hand and the land owners were often named, offering further insight into this time period.

Pont’s manuscripts pinpoint natural features in the landscape, including over 350 mountains. He also mapped rivers, lochs, mosses and woodland. The written notes which complement the maps provide a fascinating and detailed description of the Scottish landscape during this era.

Pont records Loch Tay contained ‘fair salmon, trouts, eels and pearle’.

Chris Fleet, senior map curator, said: “Anyone interested in Scottish history should pay a visit to National Library of Scotland. This display offers a rare chance to view these unique cartographic treasures which offer an illuminating glimpse into the development of our country’s landscape during the Renaissance period. Sadly, Pont’s heirs neglected his maps and by the 1620’s they were described as ‘worm and moth-eaten’, so we are very fortunate to still have them with us.”

Pont’s Ben Lawers and Loch Tay map is being displayed this month along with his maps Strathnaver in Sutherland; Stirling, Falkirk, Kilsyth and the Antonine Wall; and The Barony of Renfrew.

A further four maps will be displayed during August.

Pont extensively mapped Perthshire, and enlarged prints can be seen at the display, and all the Pont maps also feature in a slideshow.

Admission to the National Library of Scotland on George IV Bridge is free. For further information call 0131 623 3700 or visit www.nls.uk