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.
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.
Hardback book `The Crofters` War` by I. M. M. MacPhail.
A detailed account of the period of political and social agitation in the Highlands and Islands that culminated in the passing of the 1886 Crofters Act.
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)
Paperback book `Saints of Scotland` by Edwin Sprott Towill.
The saints whose names are commemorated in Scottish churches, towns, villages, farms, hills, well and rivers.
De-accessioned 20.3.2026.
Paperback book `Crofting Years` by Francis Thompson.
The social history of crofting in the Highlands and Islands.
Hardback book `Argyll Estate Instructions 1771-1805` edited by Eric Cregeen.
Instructions from the 5th Duke of Argyll to his chamberlains for Mull, Morvern and Tiree 1771-1805.
This may also be viewed online via the link: National Library of Scotland
Paperback book `Sea-Road of the Saints` by John Marsden.
Account of the holy men of the Hebrides and the Celtic Christianity of early Scotland.
Paperback book `Am Fear Meadhanach` by Alasdair Campbell.
Gaelic novel.
Paperback booklet `Highland Smugglers` by Francis Thompson.
A short account of smuggling in the Highlands
