Softback book ‘The Last Laird of Coll’ by Mairi Hedderwick, 2011. The remarkable story of how Kenneth Stewart inherited the estate on the Isle of Coll. Burdened with debt, he spent his life trying to rebuild a livelihood from the estate. On the inside cover, the author has handwritten “For Philippa & Nick [Bristol]. Best wishes, Mairi Hedderwick, Isle of Coll, 2011”.
Softback book ‘The Genealogy of the Clan MacLean’ by Ronald W Collins, USA, 2020 (2nd edition). Spanning 970 years from Old Dubhghall of Scone, through 30 generations of Dubhghall’s descendants to Clan MacLean of Duart and Clan MacLaine of Lochbuie. MacLean sub-chiefs are traced from Inverness, through the Great Glen, Mull, Tiree, Coll, Muck and other smaller islands, back to the Chiefs of Duart or Lochbuie. Includes brief histories of clan origins and significant events.
Handwritten letter, dated 21 June 1883, from Hector McDonald, Lochgilphead, to Lachlan (a’ Mharsanta / the merchant) McLean (1836-1921), Kenovay, regarding the activities of the Royal Commission and the hardships of Tiree crofters. The letter is very probably referring to Crofters’ rights and the Napier Commission. Includes the remains of the original envelope stamped by both Lochgilphead and Oban post offices. Part of a large collection of items belonging to and about Donald Archibald McLean, Kenovay (1890-1981), and his family.
Click here to view 2020.1.52
Hardback book ‘The Small Regiment, Vol. 1 – Origins of the Clan MacKinnon, 100BCE-1621CE’ by G McKinnon and E E McKinnon. The origins of the Clan MacKinnon and the influences that shaped its history within the context of Hebridean and Scottish history, to 1621. Clan MacKinnon Publishing, Canada, 2017.
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.
Magazine article about the Land League conflict on Tiree in the 1880s
Article in Scottish Memories magazine 1999, about the Tiree Land League`s conflict with the Duke of Argyll`s `security force` of 65 mainland police and Glasgow Commissionaires, sent to the island to subdue the crofters in the 1880s.
A historical account of Tiree and its churches
Typed account of some key events in Tiree’s history and its churches. Unknown author. May have been the notes for a public talk. Typed ca. 1960. Found by the Rev. Neil MacKinnon, Cumbernauld, during a clear out of his house in 2010.
Click here to view 2010.70.1
Medal commemorating the 60th year of the reign of Queen Victoria, 1897
Bronze(?) commemorative medal. Bears Queen Victoria`s head in profile and the words “Victoria Regina 1837-1897” on one side, and “In commemoration of the 60th year of the reign of Queen Victoria June ?? 1897. The gift of the Duchess of Argyll” on the other side. A small hole has been drilled through at the top, presumably for a chain or ribbon. Originally from Donald Meek`s house “MacDonald”.
