Extract from Archaeology Ireland magazine, Autumn 2015: ‘Decoding Finn mac Cumaill’s Places’ by E FitzPatrick, R Hennesy, P Naessens and JF Nagy. An academic interpretation of European place-names in relation to the traditional Celtic tales of the warrior-hunter Finn mac Cumaill and his fian (wild band), which are historically popular among the Gaelic-speaking people of Scotland, Ireland and Isle of Man.
Academic paper ‘Beyond the Parish Church: a study of chapels in the parishes of Kirkapol on Tiree and Snizort on Skye’ by Sarah Thomas, 2015. Identification of different chapel types and the implications for understanding medieval religious devotions, demonstrating the breadth and diversity of religious practice in the late medieval Hebrides.
Book extract ‘The Kingdom of the Isles’ by David Caldwell, 2014. An overview of the sea kingdom of the western isles of Scotland and its links with the Isle of Man, from which it was ruled during the Medieval period. Topics covered include the extent and influence of the kingdom of the isles, administrators, castles, the church, economy, mercenary services, art and architecture.
Book extract ‘The Sea Power of the Western Isles of Scotland in the late Medieval Period’ by David Caldwell, 2015, about the struggle for domination of the isles between Somerled and the Kings of the Isles based on the Isle of Man, during the 14th and 15th centuries. Topics covered are the ships, galleys and birlinns used to patrol the islands, the extent of the island kingdom, the warriors, and the social, legal and political management of the kingdom.
Notes titled ‘A Tyrannical and Tiresome Tirade on Tiree by a Tired Retiree’ on the Medieval history and archaeology of Tiree by David Caldwell, casting doubt on the popular view that Tiree (along with Mull and Islay) was ruled by Somerled and his descendents to the exclusion of the dynasty of kings. David Caldwell, retired Keeper of Medieval Department at the National Museum of Scotland, gave a talk on the subject during a visit to Tiree in April 2016.
West Highland Notes and Queries, August 2016, published by the The Society of West Highland & Island Historical Research Ltd, Coll. Articles include ‘An Account of the Island of Coll: Grimsary’; Myth, History and Genetic Genealogy: Ailpein, Chriogair, Mhic Gille Chonaill; Ranald MacAllan Og; Place-names in the Argyllshire Valuation of 1751; Who was Florence MacLean (1365-1430)?; Highland Tacksmen’s use of Gaelic in the Nineteenth Century.
Softback book ‘Scotland: Mapping the Nation’ by Christopher Fleet, Margaret Wilkes and Charles W. J. Withers, 2012. Presents maps from the earliest representations of Scotland by Ptolemy in the second century AD to the most recent forms of Scotland’s mapping. Includes information about Skerryvore Lighthouse. (Page 221) See also ‘Scotland: Mapping the Islands’ at 2017.14.1
Booklet ‘The Kirk on the Hill’ by Nicholas MacLean Bristol, Coll, 2007. The story of the Church in the Isle of Coll AD 550-2007. Contains material about Tiree when the parishes were joined (pg6): “…when in 1618 the parishes of Kirkapol and Sorobie in Tiree were united with that of Coll to form the United Parish of Tiree and Coll.”
Hardback book ‘The Great Book of Skye 2: From the Island to the World: History, Memory and Community on a Scottish Island’ by Norman MacDonald & Cailean MacLean, 2016. Together with its companion volume which was published in 2014, (see 2015.49.1) this book presents a comprehensive study of the people of the Isle of Skye. Appendices include new research on Skye doctors, the Skye Land League, Skye winners of the Military Cross, the Strathaird raiders and Skye shinty.
Hardback book ‘Scotland: Mapping the Islands’ by Christopher Fleet, Margaret Wilkes and Charles W. J. Withers, 2016. Foreword by Magnus Linklater. Reproduces some of the most historically significant maps from the National Library of Scotland’s collection in order to explore the many dimensions of island life and how this has changed over time. Arranged thematically and covering topics such as population, place-names, defence, civic improvement, natural resources, navigation, and leisure and tourism. Tiree mentioned pages 3, 44, 45, 49, 61, 82-3, 107 & 174, and featured in maps pages 62-3, 72-3, 92 & 143.
