Object Type: book

1997.274.5

Paperback book `Scottish Place-Names` by W. F, H, Nicolaisen.

A study of Scottish place-names and their significance.

De-accessioned 21.3.2026.

1999.314.7

Paperback book `Sgial is Eachdraidh` by Calum Iain M. MacLeod.

The Gaelic prose of Calum Iain M. MacLeod.

2001.108.1

Paperback book `Highlanders – A history of the Gaels` by John MacLeod.

The story of the Gaels from Mesolithic man, through the Celts, the Vikings and the Lord of the Isles to the Stuart monarchy, the events following Culloden and the forced emigration, the Evangelical Movement and the Crofters` War, and the current situation.

De-accessioned 20.3.2026.

1997.274.3

Extract from ‘The History of the Celtic Place-Names of Scotland’ by William J. Watson

Transcription of an extract from ‘The History of the Celtic Place-Names of Scotland’ by William J. Watson.

Courtesy of Birlinn Ltd

The origin of the name Tiree is still a mystery. It is commonly said to come from the Gaelic ‘Tir iodh’, the land of corn, because of the island’s fertility. Another derivation is ‘Tir-Idhe’, the granary of Iona; a monastery established by St Columba on Tiree supplied grain to his headquarters on Iona.

Both of these explanations are probably wrong. William Watson, Professor of Celtic at Edinburgh University for over twenty years, wrote the book ‘The Celtic Place Names of Scotland’, which is still regarded as the most reliable source on the subject.

He believed the name came from ‘Tir’, Gaelic for land, and ‘Heth’ from an earlier language. In 1878 the official spelling was changed by the Post Office from Tyree to Tiree to avoid confusion with Tyrie in Aberdeenshire.

1999.165.1

Hardback book `Inhabitants of the Inner Isles, Morvern and Arnamurchan 1716` edited by Nicholas MacLean-Bristol.

List of inhabitants of the Inner Isles, Morvern and Arnamurchan in 1716, including Tiree pages 113-150. (two copies)