This is the third of James Dorret’s maps of Scotland. His first, the map of 1750, was one of the LANDMARK MAPS OF SCOTLAND. Moir states “All earlier maps of Scotland were superseded in 1750 by the largest and best map yet produced”. James Dorret (fl. 1750-61) was employed as a valet by the 3rd Duke of Argyll. He claimed to be a surveyor and on the basis of this map he was well qualified to do so. At the Duke’s expense he produced this magnificent map of Scotland. It is generally considered to be the first printed map in which “a really good outline becomes available, and this map is the basis of practically all the maps until Arrowsmith … an immense improvement on everything that preceded it.” (Moir). This particular map by Dorret was published by Robert Sayer and appears in some copies of his ‘Large English Atlas’ as a replacement for the more usual map. It is from Robert Sayer’s ‘New General Atlas’ first published in 1773, this example is from an edition dated 1780. With an inset map of Orkney and Shetland Islands upper right. The whole is finely finished with a baroque title cartouche. Moir, Early Maps of Scotland I p. 191; Hodson II p. 142 note 6.