Islay: The Land of the Lordship

by David H. Caldwell

Islay was originally part of Dal Riata, the early kingdom of the Scots, but was then colonized by Scandinavian settlers in the middle of the ninth century. It was also the home of the MacDonalds who established the Lordship of the Isles during the Medieval Period. In the Gaelic world, their status was king-like and, at the height of their power in the 15th century, they mounted a challenge to the Stewart dynasty for control of Scotland. However, this book is not just about the great men. It also looks at the lesser folk, especially during the time of the Campbell lairds, from the early 17th century onwards.

Archaeology combined with documentary research has helped to build up a picture of how the people of Islay lived, the way the land was farmed and the development of local industries, including the distilling of whisky. The book provides a comprehensive grounding in island history for visitors and locals alike, and, for the valuable details it gives on local families, will be particularly valued by genealogists and those tracing their roots to Islay.

320 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2008

Reviews

[Stuart]

Inpenetrably dense, only for the serious academic-minded historian
I was forced to give up just 40 pages in. The first 20 pages are all about plate tectonics, local soil and plant species, Gaelic and Nordic place-name etymology, and now entering into the prehistory of Somerled mac Gilla-brigte, the first Gaelic (or was he actually Norse???) Lord of the Isles who came from Argyll in 1153. And the appendices start on page 264 and end on 396! Unless you are a serious student of Scottish early history, I don't recommend this at all, especially if you are mostly into whisky but want some historical background.