Historian Charles Guard and drone pilot Glenn Whorrall have spent most of the summer capturing the island from the sky and have released a new book which shows off their work.

The book, ’Eyes of Mann, The Island from above’ combines Charles’ local knowledge, Glenn’s drone and camera skills and the island’s stunning scenery.

The duo have captured pictures detailing the Manx coastline, points of historical interest, the northern plain, the hills and perhaps even more strikingly, the island’s villages and towns.

Charles said: ’The island truly has some dramatic scenery.

’But I think the most surprising views were when we sent the drone up over the towns and villages.

’The boarding house terraces around Douglas struck me, I’ve been going past them for 68 years but I’ve never seen them from that height and the town looks amazing.’

The book covers many of the island’s well-known landmarks such as Peel Castle, Laxey Wheel and Ramsey’s Queen’s Pier, as well as some of the island’s more difficult areas to reach, such as the North Bradda Mines.

However, it is much more than beautiful pictures of the island and famous landmarks.

Charles details how the book was put together and offers advice on drones and cameras while also outlining the need for a professional license if a drone is to be used for anything other than personal recreational use.

And ever the historian, Charles has not only provided a caption for each picture, but details the history of the area captured and current news such as the sale of the Castle Mona.

For example, a picture of Port Erin outlines the three stages of the development of the villages, from fishing villages through the Victorian and Edwardian ages to today’s modern estates.

Charles added: ’I had never spotted it myself, you don’t when you drive around really.

’I love going to Port Erin, I love the beach and everything, but it is the little fishing village, then the wonderful row of what was Victorian hotels and then the sea of bungalows behind.’

He also noted that spotting former farm buildings on the hills where 12 or more people would be sharing a room was wonderful to see.

While Charles provides the history, Glenn’s skills with his drone are vital to the success of the book.

Glenn’s work will be well known to anyone who saw the ’Extraordinary Story’ advert which was shown on British TV earlier this year which he filmed.

The book is available in island shops or from publisher Lily Publications’ website.