Rare Old Story Map of Scotland, 1935: History, Tartans, Flora MacDonald, Bonnie Prince Charlie

The "Story Map of Scotland," crafted by Colortext Publications in 1935, is a captivating blend of artistry and historical narrative. This pictorial map is a treasure trove of Scottish heritage, capturing the essence of the nation's storied past through vivid illustrations and detailed vignettes. Colortext Publications, renowned for their educational and illustrative maps, have meticulously designed this piece to offer both visual delight and historical insight. The map is adorned with portraits of significant historical figures, such as Flora MacDonald and Bonnie Prince Charlie, bringing to life the tales of Scotland's tumultuous history.

The map's borders are decorated with intricate illustrations of tartans, representing the rich cultural tapestry of Scotland's clans. These decorative elements not only enhance the map's aesthetic appeal but also serve as a tribute to the country's enduring traditions. The inclusion of various modes of transportation, animals, and other pictorial elements provides a comprehensive view of Scotland's diverse landscape and cultural heritage. Each vignette is carefully placed to offer a glimpse into the life and times of Scotland in the early 20th century.

Geographically, the map covers the entirety of Scotland, from the bustling cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh to the serene landscapes of the Highlands and Islands. Notable bodies of water such as the North Minch, Moray Firth, and the Atlantic Ocean are prominently featured, along with the iconic Firth of Forth. The map also highlights significant mountain ranges and peaks, showcasing Scotland's rugged and majestic terrain. These natural features are beautifully illustrated, adding depth and dimension to the map's overall design.

Historically, the map serves as an educational tool, providing insights into Scotland's past through its detailed illustrations and annotations. The inclusion of landmarks, such as castles and battle sites, offers a window into the events that have shaped the nation's history. The map's creators have skillfully combined artistic elements with historical accuracy, making it a valuable resource for both history enthusiasts and collectors. Each element on the map is thoughtfully placed to tell the story of Scotland's rich and varied past.

The "Story Map of Scotland" is not just a map; it is a journey through time, capturing the essence of a nation known for its resilience and cultural richness. The map's design and content reflect the dedication of Colortext Publications to preserving and celebrating Scotland's heritage. Whether you are a history buff, a lover of cartography, or simply someone who appreciates fine art, this map offers a unique and enriching experience. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Scotland and the artistry of its creators.

Cities and towns on this map

• Scotland:
• Glasgow
• Edinburgh
• Aberdeen
• Dundee
• Inverness
• Stirling
• Perth
• Ayr
• Dumfries
• Elgin
• Oban
• St. Andrews
• Fort William
• Kirkwall
• Wick
• Dornoch
• Jedburgh
• Melrose
• Dunfermline
• Falkirk
• Greenock
• Kilmarnock
• Paisley
• Stornoway
• Lerwick
• Campbeltown
• Thurso
• Tobermory
• Portree
• Stranraer
• Hawick
• Peebles
• Selkirk
• Dingwall
• Forres

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations:
• Dozens of vignettes including portraits, animals, modes of transportation, and historical events.
• Portraits of Flora MacDonald and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
• Borders:
• Decorative borders featuring illustrations of tartans.
• Bodies of water:
• North Minch
• Moray Firth
• Atlantic Ocean
• Firth of Forth
• Pentland Firth
• Mountains:
• Various mountain ranges and peaks illustrated throughout Scotland.
• Other notable features:
• Compass rose in the lower left corner.
• Coat of arms near the title.
• Various ships depicted in surrounding waters.

Historical and design context

• Creation date: 1935
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Colortext Publications
• Interesting context about the mapmaker: Colortext Publications was known for producing illustrative and educational maps during the early 20th century, often with a focus on historical and cultural themes.
• Topics and themes:
• Pictorial elements: The map includes dozens of vignettes such as portraits, animals, modes of transportation, and more.
• Historical figures: Features portraits of notable individuals like Flora MacDonald and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
• Cultural elements: Illustrated tartans in the margins, representing different Scottish clans.
• Design and style:
• Pictorial and thematic: The map is richly illustrated with vignettes and tartans, making it both informative and visually appealing.
• Decorative borders: The margins feature illustrations of tartans, adding a cultural and decorative element to the map.
• Historical significance:
• Cultural representation: The map captures the cultural and historical essence of Scotland in the early 20th century.
• Educational value: Serves as an educational tool to understand Scotland's history, geography, and cultural heritage.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.