THE STATUTES OF ICOLMKILL. 237 



grantees.* The new proprietors took no immediate steps 

 to make good their title to the lands conveyed in the 

 charters. Early in 1608, preparations on an extensive 

 scale were set on foot to bring the Hebrides generally to 

 a state of order, and it is probable that the invasion of 

 Lewis was deferred pending the outcome of this project. 

 A commission was granted to Andrew, Lord Stewart of 

 Ochiltree, and Andrew Knox, Bishop of the Isles (to 

 which names were subsequently added that of Sir James 

 Hay of Beauly), for the purpose of conferring with, and 

 receiving offers from, Angus Macdonald of Dunyveg and 

 Hector Maclean of Duart. The demands of the Com- 

 missioners were eight in number, comprising (i) security 

 for the feu-duties payable to the Crown ; (2) obedience to 

 the laws by the chiefs and their followers ; (3) delivery of 

 all strongholds, which were to be at the King's disposal ; 

 (4) renunciation of hereditary and other jurisdictions, and 

 submission to the authority of the Crown officers ; (5) 

 acceptance of whatever dispositions of their lands the 

 King might make, and whatever conditions of tenure he 

 might impose ; (6) destruction of all vessels, except such 

 as might be required for the conveyance of the King's 

 duties, paid in kind, and for other necessary purposes ; 

 (7) provision of education for their children, and for those 

 of their clansmen who could afford it, under the directions 

 of the Privy Council ; and (8) abstention from the use 

 of guns, bows, and two-handed swords, the only arms to 

 be allowed being single-handed swords and targes. 



These severe conditions were backed by a display of 

 force which augured badly for any resistance to their 

 adoption. Lord Ochiltree was placed in supreme com- 

 mand of the expedition, and was invested with the title 

 of Lieutenant of the Isles. The expedition was attended 

 with more complete success than its promoters could have 

 dared to hope. The force of regulars and militia which 

 had been mustered was sufficiently powerful to overawe 



* The duties payable by the trio consisted of 180 merks (ward) and 900 

 merks (marriage). 



