Sìol Torcail and their lordship in the sixteenth century

MacCoinnich, A. (2008) Sìol Torcail and their lordship in the sixteenth century. In: Crossing the Minch: Exploring the Links Between Skye and the Outer Hebrides. The Islands Book Trust: Callicvol, Isle of Lewis, pp. 7-32. ISBN 9780955542039

Abstract

This article, based on a paper given at a conference discussing links between the Hebridean islands of Skye and Lewis, examines the lordship of Sìol Torcail, or the Macleods of Lewis which embraced both these islands together with parts of the adjacent Scottish mainland in the sixteenth century. The first section of the paper concentrates on the political (and dynastic) history of the Macleods of Lewis and their frequent rebellions in the face of the extension of royal control and pressure from neighbouring 'Highland' clans such as the Mackenzies of Kintail, a process which culminated in the expropriation of the Macleods and attempted plantation of Lewis (1598-1609) by lowland Scottish settlers. The fate of the Macleods of Lewis is discussed within the wider context of James VI & I' Highland policy, such as the Statutes of Iona, and the favouring of client clans such as the Mackenzies. The second section of the paper briefly considers the human and physical geography of the lordship of Sìol Torcail inasmuch as this can be reconstructed and the final section considers the fisheries which were, it is argued, of crucial importance in attracting outside interest to the area.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Keywords: Clan Macleod, Clan, Clanship, Kinship, Gaelic, Highland, Lowland, Gàidhealtachd, Gaidhealtachd, Galldachd, colonisation, Fife Adventurers, Jacobean, James VI, Hebridean, fish, fishing, Mackenzie, Mackenzies, Clann Leòid, Sìol Torcail, Sìol Torcuil, Clann Mhic Leòid, Fineachan, Cinnidhean, Linn nan Creach, Lordship, maritime, Lewis, Skye, Statutes of Iona, planting, plantation, royal policy, highlands, galley, birlinn
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: MacCoinnich, Dr Aonghas
• Authors: MacCoinnich, A.
• Subjects: D History General and Old World > D History (General) > D204 Modern History; D History General and Old World > DA Great Britain
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Celtic and Gaelic
• Publisher: The Islands Book Trust
• ISBN: 9780955542039
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2008 The Islands Book Trust
• First Published: Isle of Skye
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with the permission of the publisher

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