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.
Book “The Island Dwellings of North Uist”
Small softback book about the dwellings and way of life in the Outer Hebrides spanning 5000 years, based upon archaeological work in North Uist by Robert Lenfert.
Paperback book `The Artificial Islets/Crannogs of the Central Inner Hebrides` by Mark W. Holley.
A study of the structural composition and spatial positioning in the landscape of the artificial islets of the central Inner Hebrides. For crannogs on Tiree see pages 183-193.
Hardback book `Landscape with Lake Dwellings` by Ian Morrison.
The results of a survey of crannogs in Loch Awe and Tay and a re-interpretation of 19th and 20th century excavations.
Paperback book `The Archaeology of Argyll` edited by Graham Ritchie.
The history of Argyll traced through its monuments from the Stone Age through the arrival of the Scots and the Norsemen.
Former crannog at Loch na Buaile near Scarinish
Photograph of the site of a crannog at Loch na Buaile near Scarinish in 2000
The people of Iron Age Tiree built houses known as crannogs which were protected by water. These may have been a defence against invaders or possibly to keep rats away from corn. The one at Loch na Buaile near Scarinish was connected to the loch side by a four metre long causeway.
The possible remains of three others have been found on Tiree at Eilean Aird nam Brathan and Eilean Mhic Conuill in Loch Bhasapol and at Loch na Gile on the Balephetrish sliabh. The site of Island House, the Tiree residence of the Duke of Argyll, may originally also have been a crannog.
Similar buildings on the mainland were built around 400 BC. Many were used in unsettled times off and on until the 17th century.
Colour photograph of the remains of a crannog in Loch na Buaile in 2000.
Remains of a crannog at Loch na Buaile near Scarinish photographed by Dr John Holliday in 2000.
