PREFACE. Τ HERE are few districts in Scotland but can boast of a history of their own. Strange to say, Argyle, the cradle of the Scottish race, and of Royalty in Britain, has hitherto been an exception, not for want of native talent, for the district has produced men who have shed lustre on various themes of literature. The chief omission seems to be that of their native antiquities. This class of literature appears to have few sympathisers, but if it is the case, as Pinkerton says, "that there are not above half-a-dozen antiquarians in an age in this country," the paucity in this field of literature is not after all so very surprising. Our great historians have not had much relish for Highland history, and no wonder; for, not being natives, they were strangers to both the language and habits of the people, and also to the local traditions of the district. The most satisfactory writer of the early history of Argyle is Father Innes. Pinkerton wrote much, but is prejudiced against everything Celtic. Chalmers' "Caledonia" has too large a scope to do justice to small matters. Burton sneers at everything Highland. Others again consider the early history all fable, and commence their annals at a late date. Lord Hailes and Laing begin with Malcolm Canmore, and Tytler begins with Alexander III. Instead of reconstructing the fragments of Scottish history scattered abroad among early writers, our modern scribes prefer flickering about the seats of royalty, with their feudal pomp and political scheming. They seldom cast a glance at the outskirts of Highland society-except to pass a crude judgment on the natives, when found involved in feuds and rebellion. However, it must be candidly admitted that national histories at best are but prominent summaries of the deeds of a nation. Local affairs are left to humble enthusiasts, whose labours of love are to glean incidents overlooked at a distance by others. With these general remarks, I shall now introduce a summary of this Book, which I call MEMORIALS OF ARGYLESHIRE. The substance of these was originally written in the form of essays, which have been my evening pastime for many years. The Memorials as a whole cannot be called a consecutive history, as each part is complete in itself. Their only affinity is, that they dovetail and succeed each other in the order of time. I do not pretend to be what Carlyle calls a "writer of books," but in my own way I have endeavoured to gather facts from the most authentic sources, which I acknowledge, and I have attempted to rescue from oblivion some incidents in the annals of my native shire, which were being distorted, overlooked or forgotten. Owing to the controversial nature of the volume a few repetitions must occur when evidence is submitted from different points of view, in order to avoid obscurity. I am aware that my conclusions on various matters are often opposed to the settled notions of learned men, but when I unfortunately happen to differ from these, I give my reasons and leave the intelligent reader to decide. A. B. CONTENTS. Extends from the earliest times till the year 843, and is Chapter First.-Some preliminary remarks about the most ancient names of North Britain and of the origin of its Chapter Second.-A summary of the early fabulous annals of Chapter Third.-The fictitious history of Argyle with its alleged forty kings who are said to have reigned from 330 B.C. Chapter Fourth.-The first colony of Scots which arrived from Ireland in the year 258, till expelled by the Picts about Chapter Fifth.-The second colony of Scots from Ireland under the leadership of the sons of Erc-their occupation of Argyle from Fergus the son of Erc in 503, to Kenneth PART II. Two royal incidents in the history of Argyle, after the seat Chapter First.-The Scottish kings during this era that were Chapter Second-The Danish invasion of Cowal in the year 918 PART III. Examines into the origin and history of the old families of Chapter First.-Examines Dr. Skene's speculations of the origin (1.) He gives a fanciful table of the descent of the Highland Clans, from Ptolemy's geography downwards. (2.) He founds theories of their origin on John Elder's letter (3.) He obliterates the connection of the natives of Argyle with the royal Dalriadic dynasty, and amalgamates them with the northern pirates under the name of (4.) He resuscitates the fables of Fordon and Winton about the conquest of Argyle in 1221, by Alexander II.- |