DOCSLIB.ORG

Finds from Urquhart Castle in the National Museum, Edinburgh

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Finds from Urquhart Castle in the National Museum, Edinburgh Proc Soc Antiq Scot, (1982)2 11 , 465-76 Finds from Urquhart Castl Nationae th en i l Museum, Edinburgh Ross Samson* Urquhart Castle is situated on a promontory on the N side of Loch Ness, guarding the entrance into Glen Urquhart fertila , e alcove whic s yieldehha d artefacts froe earls mth a s ya Bronze Age and two ring cairns of the Clava type. The site's tactical importance may have invited the construction of a timber-laced fort. Quantities of vitrified stone are recorded from the early excavation Ministre th y b s f Works yo t apparentlbu , prehistorie relicth o yn f o s y 'ocan f ages turned up'. strategie Th c importanc site th e f commandino e uppee gth rGreae parth f to t Gles nwa recognize dsais i earlyt di r thafo , t Willia roya a Lio e md th nlha for t Urquharta t lordshipe Th . of Urquhart changed hands some few times before being held by the Comyns, lords of Badenoch shortly before the Wars of Independence. It fell to Edward I twice on campaigns which brought twichis mElgino wa t et recapturedbu , granted an , BrucThomar y db Si o et s Randolph, Earf o l Moray. It was one of the five castles to hold out against Edward III in 1335. In 1346 the barony castld an e reverte crowne th o dt , guarde royay db l constables until rebee seizeth y l db Ear f o l Ross a century later. The lordship of Urquhart was granted to John Grant in 1509. The castle was thereafte possessioe th n Lairde ri th f Granf n o o skep d repairn an ti t , although seizea y db band of MacDonalds in 1545 and Covenanters in 1644. Garrisoned by Whigs in the Revolution of 1689 buildinge somth f eo s were blow evacuates whep nu wa t n i year o dtw s later 170n I .e 8th Laird of Grant successfully stopped the local inhabitants from despoiling the castle of its lead and woodwork, but it was then left to the mercy of the elements until 1912 when the ruins were handed over to the Ancient Monuments Department. Excavation and repair began immediately, t werbu e interrupte ware th .y dTheb y were resume 191n d i complete d 9an fullea 1922n d i r rFo . history see the HMSO guidebook, Simpson (1930; 1951) and MacKay (1893). resulte Ministry'e th Th f so s work were publishe Simpsony db findse Th . , however, were relegate moro n o edt tha lisna f objects o t , whose locatio site recordes th ei n no d laconicalln yi the National Museum's register e incompletTh . e natur f survivino e g site record s madha s t ei difficult if not impossible to pinpoint where they were found. In any case the stratigraphy was recorded simplnumbee th s y a f fee o r t below ground level t whica , h they were found thein I . r long sojour museue th n i m numbea nicee th f rr o piece s have been published separatel varioun yi s books. MacDonal Laind dan g (1977) published some sketche Urquhare th f so t metalwor theikn i r index as comparative material for their 14th-century metalwork from Lochmaben Castle, Dumfriess-shire. Laing noted that there were relativel collectionw yfe f medievao s l ironwork from Scotland, the largest being Urquhart, Lochmaben, and Caerlaverock Castle (publication Nationao *c/ l Museu mf Antiquitieo f Scotlandso , Queen Street, Edinburgh 466 | PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, 1982 forthcoming) smalo tw ld groupan , s from Kirkcudbright Castle (Dunnin t alge 1958 Lucd an ) e Sands (Jop 1959)l a t ethie o addee .T b s lisn d tca Threav e Castle (Goo Tabrahad& m 1981d )an e massivth e collection from Perth (forthcoming) r comparativFo . e collection Englann i s e dse Biddle (1963), Mynard (1969), Jarrett (1970 Plattd )an , Coleman-Smit (1975)l a t he . Datin e collectiogth e absencs difficulni th d f stratificatioo ean t s mosi n t unfortunate. Historical recor f occupatiodo n extends e 17tfro e th 13t mhth o h t centur y eac f whicho s hi represented by some of the datable artefacts: brass ewer, brooches, spurs, arrowheads and coins. Six coins were found, pennie Johf so n Balliol, Edwar Roberd an d I , plack , tII VI Jamef d so an sV an turneda Charlef bronzo o r Tw . esI pins perhaps poin earlieo t t r occupation, being possibly o lata f e Dar datee kAg . This migh confirmee b t more th ey db recen t discover penannulaa f yo r brooch terminal at the castle, now in the Inverness museum published in Small et al (1973). Other finds preserve Invernese th dn i s museum include sherd medievaf so l pottery gunstoneo .Tw s 4 and 5 inches (102,127 mm) in diameter and 14 larger stone shots about 250-300 mm in diameter castlee stilth e t ar a l. The finds from Urquhart Castle were given on loan to the National Museum in 1923. In 1955 they were gifted by the Countess of Seafield. The HY numbers with each object are the museum's registration numbers. Laing (MacDonald & Laing 1977) gave the redundant loan numbers. Iron ironwore Th k from Urquhart Castl vers ei y s Lainvariea d gdan note quantite dth perhaps yi s surprising in view of the medieval reports of shortages of iron in Scotland. Horsegear, tools, domestic implements weapond representedl ,an al e sar mose .Th t interesting, perhap numeroue th e sar s arrowheads. 1 Rowel spur. London Museum Medieval Catalogue (hereinafter LMMC) type ff terminals witha hook strap end still attached to one terminal. The small rowel was originally of eight points. Early . 72 Y H . mm 15t 0 h10 centur 0 15 . yL 2 Rowel spur. LMMC type if terminals, one of which is broken and perhaps mended with thin wire. Originall poinx si ya t rowel. 73 . LatY H . e 14tmm h5 7 century 0 13 . L . 3-6 Swivel-rings. Some form of horse gear, probably tether. The hole of no 4 shows signs of wear. 75 , 110mm , 95 . 127 77 , L , 7495 Y , 76 ,H . 7 Horseshoe nail. Flat rectangular head of Biddle's Seacourt type 3ii. (Biddle 1963,176-7). L. 39 mm. HY80. 9 Horseshoes8- . Nailhole t countersunsno hencd kplaian e eth n outline t fulleredno ; ; plain calkins. simila e 14th-centurThese ar th o o rt etw y horse-shoes foun t Lochmabeda n Castle . 114,11.L . 9mm HY 78, 79. 10 Lump of corroded arrowheads. Some 140 arrowheads all apparently of the same type as no 13, an early barbed arrowhead barbee .Th d arrowhead, although confine latechase e th th rn e o di Middlt e Ages, was in its earlier stages probably used also as a military weapon. They were found at Dyserth Castle, Flint purela , y military site occupied betwee yeare nth s survivine 124 1263d th l 1an Al . g single example socketee sar represend dan wida t e variet mostle f type yo datear d t san f yo sbu . 34 militarY H . ymm design9 14 . L . 11 Arrowhead. LMMC late typA . re 15 evolve d hunting arrowhea. d wit35 Y h H lon . g mm barbs 0 8 . .L 12 Arrowhead. LMMC type 16. Barbed hunting arrowhead. L. 78 mm. HY 36. 13 Arrowhead. LMMC. 39 typ . EarlY eH 13 . y barbemm 8 5 d. L arrowhead . 10 o n e se , 14 Arrowhead. Laing (MacDonal Laind& g 1967, 154) suggest crossboa s i t si w bolt, late medieval. 37 Y H . mm 7 3 . L 15 Arrowhead. LMMC type 1, leaf-shaped blade, early medieval. L. 50 mm. HY 40. 16-17 Arrowheads. LMMC type 3. No 17 is of this early form with marked shoulders but also is centrally more th es commoha ridged6 1 o nN . plai facn i n ty section havma t e beebu , n barbe. d 13 lik o en 46mm, 59 . L .41 H, Y38 18-21 Arrowheads. LMMC type 7. These 13 arrowheads were developed for military use, as an answer SAMSON: FINDS FROM URQUHART7 CASTL46 | E FIG 1 Ironwork (scale 1:2) 468 | PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, 1982 31 FIG 2 Ironwork (scale 1:2) SAMSON: FINDS FROM URQUHAR9 T CASTL46 | E to the increasing efficiency of armour protection. They have a diamond, or in the case of no 20, . 51 , 52 , 53 squar , 47 eY sectionH . 117mm , L .102 3 91 , 13 , 22-29 Arrowheads. LMMC types 7-8 and 8. Type 8 is marked by a leaf-shaped blade, eg no 24, but the distinctio 23'o t alwayN s no . nsockes i betwee 28 sconstructe s 8 cleao d n twa g an r e n 7 beatiny db g out and rolling over the end. L. 130, 89,135, 86,152,174, 80 mm. HY 46, 54, 45, 48, 44, 49, 55, 50. 30 Arrowhead. LMMC type 11. Highly developed type of military arrowhead, which is dated 14-15th century by the LMMC. L. 66 mm. HY 42. 31 Spearhead. Diamond section wingso n , . , socketed43 Y H . 15L . 5mm 32 Dagger blade. Single-edged blade and strip tang with three remaining iron rivets. L. 267 mm. HY 59. 33 Knife blade. Single-edged blade and flat strip tang with one remaining rivet hole. L. 86 mm. HY 57. 34 Knife blade. Single-edged blade and strip tang with one remaining brass and one remaining iron .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Stunning Scotland: Highlands & Islands
    Orbridge Presents: Stunning Scotland: Highlands & Islands JULY – AUGUST 2022 From $5,795* From windswept highlands to serene islands, home to revered castles and iconic towns, Scotland is a vibrant country overflowing with rich history, inspiring landscapes, and proud and welcoming locals. Celebrate all this small but impactful nation has to offer through cultural and historical experiences curated to engage your senses. Highlights & Inclusions Itinerary Discover Glasgow at leisure during a hop-on/hop-off bus Day 1: En Route from U.S. excursion, including points of interest such as the Gallery of Day 2: Arrive in Glasgow, Scotland Modern Art, Glasgow Cathedral, and Barras Market. Day 3: Glasgow / Isle of Arran / Glasgow Delight in a private, after-hours tour and special welcome dinner at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Day 4: Glasgow / Stirling / Fort William Visit local distilleries to learn about whisky making from Day 5: Fort William / Isle of Skye / Fort William professionally trained guides followed by a tasting of their Day 6: Fort William / Loch Ness / Inverness creations. Day 7: Inverness / Aberdeen Explore impressive Stirling Castle, situated on a volcanic Day 8: Aberdeen / Edinburgh outcrop on the River Forth, and hear of the castle's turbulent Day 9: Edinburgh / St. Andrews / Edinburgh history, featuring great figures from Scotland’s past, such as William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and Mary, Queen of Day 10: Edinburgh / Depart for U.S. Scots. Learn about the history of the bagpipes and the tradition they served for battle and the clans. 8 nights hotel accommodations 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 7 dinners Behold Eilean Donan Castle—one of the most recognized including a special welcome and castles in Scotland and the site of Bishop Donan's monastic cell created in 634 AD.
    [Show full text]
  • A History of the Lairds of Grant and Earls of Seafield
    t5^ %• THE RULERS OF STRATHSPEY GAROWNE, COUNTESS OF SEAFIELD. THE RULERS OF STRATHSPEY A HISTORY OF THE LAIRDS OF GRANT AND EARLS OF SEAFIELD BY THE EARL OF CASSILLIS " seasamh gu damgean" Fnbemess THB NORTHERN COUNTIES NEWSPAPER AND PRINTING AND PUBLISHING COMPANY, LIMITED 1911 M csm nil TO CAROLINE, COUNTESS OF SEAFIELD, WHO HAS SO LONG AND SO ABLY RULED STRATHSPEY, AND WHO HAS SYMPATHISED SO MUCH IN THE PRODUCTION OP THIS HISTORY, THIS BOOK IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED BY THE AUTHOR. PREFACE The material for " The Rulers of Strathspey" was originally collected by the Author for the article on Ogilvie-Grant, Earl of Seafield, in The Scots Peerage, edited by Sir James Balfour Paul, Lord Lyon King of Arms. A great deal of the information collected had to be omitted OAving to lack of space. It was thought desirable to publish it in book form, especially as the need of a Genealogical History of the Clan Grant had long been felt. It is true that a most valuable work, " The Chiefs of Grant," by Sir William Fraser, LL.D., was privately printed in 1883, on too large a scale, however, to be readily accessible. The impression, moreover, was limited to 150 copies. This book is therefore published at a moderate price, so that it may be within reach of all the members of the Clan Grant, and of all who are interested in the records of a race which has left its mark on Scottish history and the history of the Highlands. The Chiefs of the Clan, the Lairds of Grant, who succeeded to the Earldom of Seafield and to the extensive lands of the Ogilvies, Earls of Findlater and Seafield, form the main subject of this work.
    [Show full text]
  • The Sinclair Macphersons
    Clan Macpherson, 1215 - 1550 How the Macphersons acquired their Clan Lands and Independence Reynold Macpherson, 20 January 2011 Not for sale, free download available from www.reynoldmacpherson.ac.nz Clan Macpherson, 1215 to 1550 How the Macphersons acquired their traditional Clan Lands and Independence Reynold Macpherson Introduction The Clan Macpherson Museum (see right) is in the village of Newtonmore, near Kingussie, capital of the old Highland district of Badenoch in Scotland. It presents the history of the Clan and houses many precious artifacts. The rebuilt Cluny Castle is nearby (see below), once the home of the chief. The front cover of this chapter is the view up the Spey Valley from the memorial near Newtonmore to the Macpherson‟s greatest chief; Col. Ewan Macpherson of Cluny of the ‟45. Clearly, the district of Badenoch has long been the home of the Macphersons. It was not always so. This chapter will make clear how Clan Macpherson acquired their traditional lands in Badenoch. It means explaining why Clan Macpherson emerged from the Old Clan Chattan, was both a founding member of the Chattan Confederation and yet regularly disputed Clan Macintosh‟s leadership, why the Chattan Confederation expanded and gradually disintegrated and how Clan Macpherson gained its property and governance rights. The next chapter will explain why the two groups played different roles leading up to the Battle of Culloden in 1746. The following chapter will identify the earliest confirmed ancestor in our family who moved to Portsoy on the Banff coast soon after the battle and, over the decades, either prospered or left in search of new opportunities.
    [Show full text]
  • Read Reunion News
    Cromartie Family Association 2017 Reunion News Wilmington, North Carolina USA 1 Sep 2017 www.cromartiefamilyassociation.com President’s Corner Reunion Plans Greetings Cromartie Family! SATURDAY, 7 OCT 2017, 1:00 P.M. Driving Tour. I sincerely wish you will join us for the 87th Cromartie Bladen County Public Library, 111 North Cypress Street, Family Reunion! Elizabethtown, NC 28337. Those with sharp eyes will note that last year’s Reunion We will conduct a driving tour of Cromartie Heritage Sites in was originally going to be our 87th. Hurricane Matthew had the vicinity of Elizabethtown. We will gather in the parking other plans – submerging nearby Lumberton and other area lot of the Library by one o’clock and conclude by four o’clock. towns, and forcing our Reunion’s cancellation for the first Please contact Amanda Gilbert, 936.671.9680, 936.637.3303, time in modern memory. But it takes more than 24 inches of [email protected], so she can be properly prepared. rain in 24 hours to shake a Cromartie. We simply dried ourselves out and starting planning for what we hope will be SATURDAY, 7 OCT 2017, 6:00 P.M. our best Reunion yet! Gathering and Dinner. This year’s Program will be a little different. Scott Elizabethtown Inn, 105 Cromartie Road, Elizabethtown, NC Cromartie will present the history of our beloved meeting 28337. place, the South River Presbyterian Church. Then we will take Please RSVP by Friday, 29 Sep, to Fred Butler, 910.617.2048, a moment to share the results of a survey we will be [email protected].
    [Show full text]
  • Set in Scotland a Film Fan's Odyssey
    Set in Scotland A Film Fan’s Odyssey visitscotland.com Cover Image: Daniel Craig as James Bond 007 in Skyfall, filmed in Glen Coe. Picture: United Archives/TopFoto This page: Eilean Donan Castle Contents 01 * >> Foreword 02-03 A Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire 04-07 B Argyll & The Isles 08-11 C Ayrshire & Arran 12-15 D Dumfries & Galloway 16-19 E Dundee & Angus 20-23 F Edinburgh & The Lothians 24-27 G Glasgow & The Clyde Valley 28-31 H The Highlands & Skye 32-35 I The Kingdom of Fife 36-39 J Orkney 40-43 K The Outer Hebrides 44-47 L Perthshire 48-51 M Scottish Borders 52-55 N Shetland 56-59 O Stirling, Loch Lomond, The Trossachs & Forth Valley 60-63 Hooray for Bollywood 64-65 Licensed to Thrill 66-67 Locations Guide 68-69 Set in Scotland Christopher Lambert in Highlander. Picture: Studiocanal 03 Foreword 03 >> In a 2015 online poll by USA Today, Scotland was voted the world’s Best Cinematic Destination. And it’s easy to see why. Films from all around the world have been shot in Scotland. Its rich array of film locations include ancient mountain ranges, mysterious stone circles, lush green glens, deep lochs, castles, stately homes, and vibrant cities complete with festivals, bustling streets and colourful night life. Little wonder the country has attracted filmmakers and cinemagoers since the movies began. This guide provides an introduction to just some of the many Scottish locations seen on the silver screen. The Inaccessible Pinnacle. Numerous Holy Grail to Stardust, The Dark Knight Scottish stars have twinkled in Hollywood’s Rises, Prometheus, Cloud Atlas, World firmament, from Sean Connery to War Z and Brave, various hidden gems Tilda Swinton and Ewan McGregor.
    [Show full text]
  • The Early Stewart Kings, the Lordship of the Isles, and Ireland, C.1371-C.14331
    The Early Stewart Kings, the Lordship of the Isles, and Ireland, c.1371-c.14331 Simon Egan 31 THE IRISH ANNALS record that in the summer of 1433, a large MacDonald war fleet descended upon the eastern coast of Ulster.2 Though the precise location is uncertain, it appears that this force landed somewhere in the modern-day barony of Dufferin; then a lordship situated on the east coast of County Down and controlled by the Anglo-Irish White family. Upon arrival the commander of the Scottish fleet, whom numerous annals refer to simply as ‘MacDomhnaill na h-Alban’(i.e., MacDonald of Scotland), was received by Eoghan O’Neill, the lord of Tyrone. These leaders appear to have entered into some form of council with one another before agreeing to combine their armed forces and embark upon what eventually amounted to an impressive military campaign against Eoghan’s main rival, Niall Garbh O’Donnell (d.1439), the lord of Tyrconnell. Moreover, the success of this joint military venture had a major impact not only upon the politics of Ulster, where it saw Eoghan established as the dominant magnate, it had serious ramifications for the balance of power within Scotland and the fortunes of the MacDonalds. The significance of the MacDonald intervention in Ulster has received very little attention within the historiography of late medieval Ireland and Scotland.3 Broadly speaking historians have tended to view medieval Gaelic Ireland and Gaelic Scotland as separate cultural and political spheres, rather than exploring how both regions were highly interconnected through ties of dynastic politics and common political and military interest.4 Instead scholars 1 I would like to thank the anonymous peer reviewer for their constructive comments which improved this essay significantly.
    [Show full text]
  • The Earldom of Ross, 1215-1517
    Cochran-Yu, David Kyle (2016) A keystone of contention: the Earldom of Ross, 1215-1517. PhD thesis. http://theses.gla.ac.uk/7242/ Copyright and moral rights for this thesis are retained by the author A copy can be downloaded for personal non-commercial research or study This thesis cannot be reproduced or quoted extensively from without first obtaining permission in writing from the Author The content must not be changed in any way or sold commercially in any format or medium without the formal permission of the Author When referring to this work, full bibliographic details including the author, title, awarding institution and date of the thesis must be given Glasgow Theses Service http://theses.gla.ac.uk/ [email protected] A Keystone of Contention: the Earldom of Ross, 1215-1517 David Kyle Cochran-Yu B.S M.Litt Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Ph.D. School of Humanities College of Arts University of Glasgow September 2015 © David Kyle Cochran-Yu September 2015 2 Abstract The earldom of Ross was a dominant force in medieval Scotland. This was primarily due to its strategic importance as the northern gateway into the Hebrides to the west, and Caithness and Sutherland to the north. The power derived from the earldom’s strategic situation was enhanced by the status of its earls. From 1215 to 1372 the earldom was ruled by an uninterrupted MacTaggart comital dynasty which was able to capitalise on this longevity to establish itself as an indispensable authority in Scotland north of the Forth.
    [Show full text]
  • Outlander-Itinerary-Trade.Pdf
    Outlander Based on the novels by Diana Gabaldon, this historical romantic drama has been brought to life on-screen with passion and verve and has taken the TV Doune Castle world by storm. The story begins in 1945 when WWII nurse Claire Randall, on a second honeymoon in the Scottish Highlands with her husband Frank, is transported back to 1743 where she encounters civil war and dashing Scottish warrior Jamie Fraser. Follow in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie and visit some of Scotland’s most iconic heritage attractions. Linlithgow Palace Aberdour Castle Blackness Castle www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/outlander Ideal for groups or individuals visiting a number of properties, holders can access as many Historic Scotland sites as they wish which includes a further 70 sites in addition to those in our itineraries. Passes Outlander is a fascinating story that combines fantasy, can be used as part of a package or offered as an romance and adventure showcasing Scotland’s rich N optional add-on. landscape and dramatic history in the process.Shetland 150 miles Our Explorer Pass makes it simple to travel around the sites – Includes access to all 78 Historic Scotland attractions that feature both in the novels and television series and – 20% commission on all sales offers excellent value for money. Below we have suggested – Flexible Entry Times itineraries suitable for use with our 3 or 7 day pass. 7 Seven day itinerary 6 1 5 Day 1 Doune Castle (see 3 day itinerary) 2 Day 2 Blackness Castle (see 3 day itinerary) 3 Day 3 Linlithgow Palace (see 3 day itinerary) 4 Aberdour Castle and Gardens 1 4 Day 4 3 2 This splendid ruin on the Fife Coast was the luxurious Renaissance home of Regent Morton, once Scotland’s most powerful man.
    [Show full text]
  • Your Gateway to the Scottish Highlands Make the Most of Your Visit
    Welcome to the Port of cromarty firth, invergordon Your GatewaY to the ScottiSh hiGhlandS make the Most of Your Visit... The Invergordon Mural Trail Cover photo : Typical Highland scenery. Photo © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam 2 fàilte WELCOME from thE Port aND thE rESiDENtS of iNVErGorDoN it’s an honour and privilege to welcome you respected courses – royal Dornoch, fortrose, to invergordon, on the shores of the beautiful tain and Castle Stuart. ride the Strathspey Cromarty firth. Steam railway or explore the Cairngorms National Park and inverewe Gardens…and of the Cromarty firth is your gateway to the course, you can discover for yourselves the majestic Scottish highlands. With over 85 truth behind the famous ‘Nessie’ legend. different shore excursion options, you are guaranteed to find an authentic Highland Whilst a day is never long enough in the experience from invergordon. Experience rich, Highlands, this guide aims to ensure you find Scottish history at the Castles of Dunrobin, your own memorable experience, so you can mey, Cawdor, Eilean Donan and Urquhart. make the most of your time and will hopefully Play golf on Scotland’s oldest and most want to come back and visit us again. Allison McGuire George Carson Cruise manager, Port of Cromarty firth Chairman, invergordon tourism alliance Port of Cromarty firth | YOUR GATEWAY TO THE HIGHLANDS 3 C’est un honneur et un privilège de vous accueillir à Invergordon, sur les rivages du magnifique Cromarty Firth Le Cromarty Firth est votre porte d’entrée vers Cairngorms et les jardins d’Inverewe ... et les la majestueuse région des Highlands écossais.
    [Show full text]
  • Itinerary Join Native Scot Iain Macleod for a Very Personal, Small-Group Tour of Scotland’S Hebrides and Highlands
    Squam Lakes Natural Science Center’s Highlands & Hebrides A Unique & Personal Tour in Scotland May 17-30, 2019 Led by Iain MacLeod Itinerary Join native Scot Iain MacLeod for a very personal, small-group tour of Scotland’s Hebrides and Highlands. Iain is an experienced group tour leader who has organized and led tours of Scotland more than a dozen times. The hotels are chosen by Iain for their comfort, ambiance, hospitality, and excellent food. Iain personally arranges every detail — flights, meals, transportation and daily destinations. May 17: Fly from Logan Airport, Boston. May 18: Arrive Glasgow. We will load up the van and head north towards the Spey Valley. Along the way we will pass through Stirling and Perth and visit the Loch of the Lowes Reserve to see the nesting Ospreys, Great crested Grebes and lots of songbirds. As we near the Sp[ey Valley, we will visit the Highland Heritage Museum in Newtownmore. We’ll arrive in Aviemore at the end of the day and stay at Rowan Tree Country House Hotel (http://www.rowantreehotel.com/). This will be our base for the next six nights. May 19: Today, we’ll head for the Bird Reserve at Loch Garten to view the world-famous Osprey nest and visitor center. We’ll take a walk through the ancient Caledonian pine forest and have a picnic lunch next to beautiful Loch Mallachie. Crested Tits, Scottish Crossbills, Coal Tits, Redstarts and Great Spotted Woodpeckers live here. As dusk settles back at the hotel we might see a Woodcock and Pipistrelle Bats.
    [Show full text]
  • The Lordship of the Isles Identity Through Materiality
    CHAPTER 10 The Lordship of the Isles Identity Through Materiality David H. Caldwell The Lordship of the Isles emerged in an archipelago that had been part of the Scandinavian World, and the lords were successors to a Scandinavian dynasty of kings based in the Isle of Man. Their direct twelfth-century ancestor, Ranald mac Somhairle, appears as a king in a European mould, pos- sibly the builder of a large European style castle at Finlaggan in Islay and the founder of religious houses at Saddell in Kintyre and in Iona.1 His thirteenth- century descendants and successors continued to play an active part in the politics of the British Isles. The MacDonald kindred, descended from his son Donald, aligned themselves with the cause of Robert Bruce in the Wars of Independence. Yet the Lordship of the Isles which emerged in the fourteenth century under MacDonald leadership played down its Scandinavian heritage and was con- sciously a world apart from Lowland Scotland. Despite the fact that Donald, the son of John 1st Lord of the Isles by the king’s daughter, was chosen to lead the clan after the death of his father in 1387 rather than his elder and apparently able half-brother Ranald,2 there are no signs of any real intention to depart from a policy of creating a Gaelic lordship. By adopting their surname as a title – ‘McDhomhnaill’ – at least from 1408, the lords were aligning themselves with, if not anticipating the practice of Irish kings. Inauguration rights for new lords and the maintenance of a Council (recte Parliament) of the Isles are other signs that the MacDonald kindred would not be bound by Stewart Scotland.3 There were no burghs, the bastions of European society, culture and trade, within the Lordship, surely as a result of deliberate decisions, and no evidence for any significant influx of fresh blood, especially in the form of specialists, from outwith native Ireland and the Gàidhealtachd.
    [Show full text]
  • In Fifteenth-Century Scotland
    Edinburgh Research Explorer Commemorating the Battle of Harlaw (1411) in Fifteenth-Century Scotland Citation for published version: Boardman, S 2018, Commemorating the Battle of Harlaw (1411) in Fifteenth-Century Scotland. in S Butler & KJ Kesselring (eds), Crossing Borders: Boundaries and Margins in Late Medieval and Early Modern Britain: Essays in Honour of Cynthia J. Neville., 3, Later Medieval Europe, vol. 17, Brill, Leiden, pp. 61-82. Link: Link to publication record in Edinburgh Research Explorer Document Version: Peer reviewed version Published In: Crossing Borders: Boundaries and Margins in Late Medieval and Early Modern Britain General rights Copyright for the publications made accessible via the Edinburgh Research Explorer is retained by the author(s) and / or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing these publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. Take down policy The University of Edinburgh has made every reasonable effort to ensure that Edinburgh Research Explorer content complies with UK legislation. If you believe that the public display of this file breaches copyright please contact [email protected] providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim. Download date: 26. Sep. 2021 Commemorating the Battle of Harlaw (1411) in Fifteenth-Century Scotland Stephen Boardman On 24 July 1411 a fierce battle took place on the low plateau of Harlaw in the parish of Chapel of Garioch, near Inverurie in north-eastern Scotland.1 The opposing forces were led by Donald, Lord of the Isles, who brought to the field a large army drawn chiefly from his Hebridean, west-coast and central Highland lordships, and Alexander Stewart, earl of Mar, at the head of a host raised from Mar, Buchan, Angus, and the burgh of Aberdeen.
    [Show full text]