This is the story of the communities and people of Harris in both its history and legends. One of the largest and most famous of all the islands of Scotland, astonishingly little has been written about the varied and eventful life of Harris, perhaps because the island has been so self-contained.
Including much material on the now deserted islands around Harris, which includes St Kilda, Bill Lawson's book is the first modern account of Harris and those who have shaped its history over thousands of years.
In this book, Bill Lawson introduces the reader not only to the events that have shaped the island's history, but also dips into the local legends, traditions and tales, as well as his own personal reminiscences. The result is a unique insight into Harris and the life and industry of its people through the ages.
'It was on Sunday mornings that there was the greatest stir in Tarbert. Then the people came from far and near to meet in the little kirk overlooking the loch. We were told that comparatively few were at home. This was the season when they go to the east coast, the men to the fishing, the women to the curing houses but they thought they came in goodly numbers as we watched them winding with the road down the opposite hill-side, and scrambling over the rocks behind the town. Boats one by one sailed into the loch and to the pier, bringing with them old women in clean white caps and tartan shawls, younger women in feathered hats and overskirts, men in bonnets and blue sailor cloth. They were a fine looking set of people, here and there among them a face beautiful with the rich, dark beauty of the South - all that is left of the Armada.' - Joseph Pennell in 1887
Contents:
Prologue
Part 1: The Machair
Part 2: Tarasaigh
Part 3: Caol na Hearadh
Part 4: Tairbeart and na Baigh
Part 5: The Forest and Scalpaigh
Part 6: Hiort (St Kilda)
Epilogue Appendix
References
Picture Credits
Maps
Index of Persons
Index of Main Topics
Index of Places
