Tiree Estate – papers relating to land agitation, 1884. From the archives of the Dukes of Argyll at Inveraray Castle, made available through the Written in the Landscape project.

Click to view all transcripts of the following papers (via Inveraray’s online catalogue):

1 23-28 Apr 1884. Journal of Lord Lorne, in the form of an extended letter to the 8th Duke of Argyll, of his visit to the island – meeting with deputation of crofters – exploration of various ‘Danish forts’, and his finds – ‘This is the worst place for begging for assistance I have ever known, not even excepting a Red Indian Camp. Everybody comes and asks for something’ – describes the places he visits – believes the Duke ‘would be well rid of this island’ – ‘a miserable place’ – refers to the Stanford Company and its trucking system.

2 3 May 1884. W P Edwards, London, to Lord Lorne – encouraging emigration from Tiree.

3 8 Dec 1884. Names of Cottars who invaded Hough & Cornaigmore.

4 Undated [1884]. List of Cottars, Tiree [does not include the whole island]

5 31 Mar 1884. Rev John McRury, Tiree, to Lady Elyn – explaining at length why the people have turned against him, for refusing the use of the church for Land Law Reform meetings – the Baptist and Free Church ministers apparently support the agitators.

6 12 Apr 1884. Report by Hugh MacDiarmid, the Factor – refers to the Land Law Reform meeting – ‘There was a procession with a piper at its head, they also had flags’.

7 1884. Letter from the Duke to the fishermen of Balemartin, Tiree

8 1884 May 16. Duke’s reply (via Rev J G Campbell) to letter from N McNiell, Vaul.