PREFACE. 



THE present work has been undertaken at the suggestion 

 of the Lewis and Harris Association of Glasgow. It is 

 the first attempt which has yet been made to collect, and 

 present in book form, existing records of past events in the 

 Outer Isles. Obvious difficulties surrounded the under- 

 taking, in consequence of the dearth of known material to 

 work upon ; but after careful research, these difficulties 

 were largely overcome. It is not, however, pretended that 

 the record is complete. The activity in historical research 

 which marks the present day, may bring to light fresh facts 

 bearing upon the Outer Hebrides ; and these may fill gaps 

 left by the present work. But whatever the defects of the 

 book in consequence either of insufficient information, or 

 the drawbacks incidental to the breaking of new ground 

 by an inexperienced historian I can at least claim that 

 an honest attempt has been made to discover all available 

 material bearing upon the subject, and to ensure accuracy 

 in its handling. As far as possible, I have gone to 

 original sources for my information, and the history has 

 been largely compiled from the national records. The 

 chief events are given with a fulness of detail which, in 

 a general history of the Highlands, would be, if not 

 impossible, at least lacking in proportion ; but, on the 

 other hand, an effort has been made to avoid insularity of 

 treatment. 



