An Iodhlann has just received a fascinating, newly published book ‘Tiree and the Dukes of Argyll 1674-1922, by James Petre. A concise history of one island during arguably the most dramatic period in Scottish history. A story of change and controversy. At its core are ducal policy, burgeoning population growth, destitution and emigration, followed by government intervention and land settlement.
Here is the latest update from the archivists at Inveraray Archives and LiveArgyll who brought their fascinating exhibition to Tiree in May. Many thanks to all who made this event such a huge success.
‘The Small Regiment, Vol. 1 – Origins of the Clan MacKinnon 100BCE-1621CE‘. This well researched and informative book, published by Clan MacKinnon Publishing, Canada, provides an account of the Clan MacKinnon from its Celtic origins to the ‘regulation of the clans’ from London in the early 1600s. It also includes some useful history of associated clans and Scotland in general. Generously donated by Martha McKinnon, Canada, and available to borrow from An Iodhlann (conditions apply).
This summer we are displaying a new addition to the archive – a large, framed painting of one of Tiree’s former factors, plus copies of items brought to An Iodhlann through the Written in the Landscape project.
It is only a week now until the Argyll Archives team brings their eagerly-awaited Written in the Landscape roadshow to Tiree. This exciting exhibition of rarely-seen Tiree objects will open on the evening of Monday 13th May and run until the evening of Thursday 16th May. An Iodhlann will host a mini-exhibition each day (10am – 4pm), while a larger exhibition of treasures, plus talks and workshops, will be held in the evenings in An Talla (7pm – 9.30pm). Full Programme of Events.
Dr John Holliday’s next batch of articles in the series titled ‘The History of Tiree in 100 Objects‘, originally published in An Tirisdeach, are now available to view on our website. Click here to view object numbers 51 to 75.
The busy people at Argyll Estates’ archive at Inveraray Castle have just sent us this latest update on the Written in the Landscape project, including their plans to bring over a number of items not seen before on Tiree during 13 – 17 May 2019.
A new short film commissioned by the Tiree Maritime Trust, and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, is the result of a project in which Tiree’s young people researched and presented their maritime heritage. Some of the filming took place in An Iodhlann, and many of the old photographs are from our archive. You can watch the film through the Maritime Trust’s website.
We recently received several digitised documents from Inveraray Archives through the Written in the Landscape project, and there are plans for an exhibition of items from the archive next spring. Please click here for more information.
An Iodhlann’s building is enjoying a fresh new look. The whole exterior has been stripped of its salt-spray, lichen growth and peeling paint, and re-painted in its traditional livery. With the addition of new signs, flags and bench, the building looks more ‘alive’ and welcoming, and we are already seeing an increase in the number of visitors. In May alone, there were almost twice as many visitors as in May 2017.
The bench is a lovely addition and is being much used. It was donated by the family of the late Mairi Campbell who was heavily involved with An Iodhlann, and whose expert knowledge of the island is very much missed. Since the above photo was taken, a memorial plaque has been attached to the bench.
