The Lordship of the Isles

WE ARE STILL WORKING ON THIS SITE - PLEASE RETURN SOON

Welcome! This site is about the Lordship of the Isles, a unique Gaelic-Norse state which existed independently of Scotland, and its history. There is much information here regarding the Lordship, its unique society, culture, politics, religion, language, and economy, as well as its history from its beginnings, in its original form, with Somerled and ending centuries after it was forfeited with the Highland Clearances, explaining how descendants of Clan Donald have shaped the modern world - which they indeed have, being present at the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and including in the ranks of their clan politicians and soldiers who have stunned the world with their expertise.

Also, check the information below to make searching for the information you want easier.

Also, to learn more about the Highlands in general, go to my other site (which is still under construction) at http://www.atruehighlandhistory.webs.com/.

Thank you.

The Lordship of the Isles - This is where you learn the basic information about the Lordship of the Isles, such as what it was and why it existed, and also how it was forfeited for having rather too ambitious plans for its feudal neighbour.

The Society of the Isles - Here is any information we have (it's actually quite a lot) about the society and lifestyle of the Lords of the Isles. This includes gender roles, demographics as far as we can work out, and how the Lordship of the Isles was ruled, amongst other things, of course.

The Culture of the Isles - Anything about the culture of the Lordship of the Isles is included here. This includes what they ate, what they played, what they spoke, and their art. The Lordship of the Isles had a combination of Gaelic, Norse, and Pictish culture, and imported goods from across northern Europe, so you will be surprised here.

Warfare - The Gall-Gaels, as the race which populated the Lordship of the Isles was known, were descended from two races famed for their martial prowess and valour, and their leaders were ambitious men who wielded almost total control over their brothers and sisters. Wars and raids were often fought - here you learn how.

Clothing of the Isles - Here you find out about what the Gall-Gaels wore. No Highlander ever historically wore a kilt, and besides, even if they had then the Gall-Gaels with a taste for fantastic Pictish art and exotic designs would have marvelled at the thought that a fellow Gaelic-speaker could ever wear such attire.

Traditions - Here you will learn about the traditions of the Isles, such as swapping shirts, the inauguration of the Lords of the Isles, the admiration for the galley, and the battle with feudalism that could be compared to the American battle against Communism.

Gaelic Law - This is where you will find out about the legal system of the Lordship of the Isles, and the punishments criminals could expect to face. Much of this is speculation, but the basics are seen in the carvings and depictions of everyday life in the Lordship of the Isles that features so much in Gaelic art.

Mythology - The mythology from the Lordship of the Isles is fascinating in that it was based on the ancient Irish legends, Norse sagas, and tales of enchanted lands and fantastical beasts from across the Irish Sea world and beyond. Kelpies, selkies, a Gaelic Atlantis, and Christian saints reverred almost as pagan gods are only part of the mythology of a unique and sometimes bizarre empire. Written by Nighean.

The Highland Clearances - Although the Lordship of the Isles had been forfeited and dissolved many centuries before, its culture had not been. From knowledge of ancient Pictish talking stones and oral stories, the Lordship gave many gifts to the Gael. And also to North American tribes, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom in the Great War.

Wiki - If you see something mentioned on here and would like more information, check here. If something hasn't got its own page, it will be here. You can also edit some information here, but do not worry I check it often and if anything is found that is blatantly false it shall be edited back.

Accounts of Descendants - These are what people have told me about their family histories, which is how I get most of my information. If a few people say the same thing, it is included on this site. What is written here is exactly what they told me.

Links - These will take you to other sites where more information can be found, both about the Lordship of the Isles and the Gaelic races in general. Learn to speak Gaelic, or find out about tourism in the Highlands.

Guestbook - This is rather like any other guestbook. Except you don't have a pen on a chain.

Forum - The community here are experts, and will answer any other questions you may have, and many can also teach you Gaelic.

Lordshiblog - Follow my entertaining travels through the lands once held by the Lordship of the Isles in my quest to visit everything to do with the Last Gaelic Empire.

Gaelic Shoutbox - A place to practice your Gaelic or ask for help with it.

This Site's Success - See in numbers and words how successful we are, and also post your own comment and rating. Also, please take the time to complete our poll.

Petition for Gaelic - This is the best thing you can read on the site, and it will be even better if you sign.