Copy of the Scottish Islands Explorer magazine Aug-Sep 2022, with articles about ‘An Iodhlann: Tiree’s special heritage centre’ by Roger Butler (pp 17-20; 8 photos), and ‘Longships on the sand’ by John Randall (pp 42-43; 5 photos) about the 2nd edition of John Holliday’s book by the same title.
Black & white photograph of Medieval skeletons in two burial pits discovered during excavation work at Kirkapol Parish Church.
Bound dissertation ‘Norse by Northwest: pursuing Scandinavian settlement on Coll and Tiree’ by Oliver Rusk, University of Glasgow, 2016, discussing the lack of rigorous archaeological research into Viking-Age settlement in the Inner Hebrides, despite the evidence in place-names and land management.
Click here to view 2018.100.1
Hardback book ‘Audur’ by Vilborg Davidsdottir, 2009. The novel follows a Viking girl, Audur, from her childhood on Tiree to Iceland. Signed by the author “To John Holliday with warm regards from Iceland! 2 July 2018”. Includes some Norse names for places in Tiree, Dublin and the rest of the British Isles. Entirely in the Icelandic language.
Black & white photograph of Viking accessories found on North Uist. The brooches were from Benbecula, Skellor and Heisker, the ring from Baleshare, and the bone button(?) from Machair Leathann. Re-photographed from Erskine Beveridge’s book ‘North Uist’ by archaeologist George Holleyman FSA when he was stationed at RAF Tiree during WWII. Scanned from one of his glass lantern slides now held at An Iodhlann (see 2017.54.4).
Photocopied book extract ‘Norse settlement patterns in Coll and Tiree’ by Anne Johnston.
The Heritage Lottery Fund has granted An Iodhlann £10,000 to organise the excavation of what is thought to be a Bronze Age, or even Viking, grave at Kirkapol. The excavation will be led by professional archaeologists who will be looking for assistance from local volunteers. Watch this space for more information…
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.
Book ‘Longships on the Sand – Scandinavian and medieval settlement on the island of Tiree: a place-name study’ by Dr John Holliday, Balephuil, 2016. Signed by the author: “To An Iodhlann, with best wishes to all who sail in her!”
