Gigha
Scottish Gaelic name | Giogha[1] |
---|---|
Pronunciation | [ˈkʲi.ə] ⓘ |
Scots name | Gigha[2] |
Old Norse name | Guðey[3] |
Meaning of name | Old Norse, probably "God's island" or "good island" |
Gigha Hotel | |
Location | |
OS grid reference | NR647498 |
Coordinates | 55°41′N 5°45′W / 55.68°N 5.75°W |
Physical geography | |
Island group | Islay |
Area | 1,395 ha (3,450 acres) |
Area rank | 41[4] [5] |
Highest elevation | Creag Bhàn 100 m (330 ft) |
Administration | |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Country | Scotland |
Council area | Argyll and Bute |
Demographics | |
Population | 163[6] |
Population rank | 37 [5] |
Population density | 11.7/km2 (30/sq mi)[6][7] |
Largest settlement | Ardminish |
References | [8] |
Gigha (
Gigha has been inhabited continuously since
The population of Gigha peaked at over 700 in the eighteenth century, but during the 20th century the island had numerous owners, which caused various problems in developing the island. By the beginning of the 21st century the population had fallen to 98. However a "community buy-out" in 2002 has transformed the island, which now has a growing population and a variety of new commercial activities to complement farming and tourism.
Attractions on the island include Achamore Gardens and the abundant wildlife, especially seabirds. There have been numerous shipwrecks on the surrounding rocks and skerries.
In 2021 the U.K. television broadcaster Channel 4 produced a reality show called Murder Island on the island, featuring a fictitious murder case written by the Scottish author Ian Rankin and “investigated” by ordinary members of the public, assisted by former police officers.
Etymology
Pronunciation | ||
---|---|---|
Scots Gaelic : |
An Dubh Sgeir | |
Pronunciation: | [ən̪ˠ ˈt̪us̪kʲeɾʲ] ⓘ | |
Scots Gaelic : |
Buaidh no Bàs | |
Pronunciation: | [puəj nɔ paːs̪̪̪] ⓘ | |
Scots Gaelic : |
Cnoc Haco | |
Pronunciation: | [kɾɔ̃xk haxkɔ] ⓘ | |
Scots Gaelic : |
Creag Bhàn | |
Pronunciation: | [kʰrʲek vaːn] ⓘ | |
Scots Gaelic : |
Creideas Dòchas is Carthannas | |
Pronunciation: | [ˈkʰɾʲetʲəs̪ ˈt̪ɔːxəs̪ ɪs̪ ˈkʰaɾən̪ˠəs̪̪̪] ⓘ | |
Scots Gaelic : |
gamhainn | |
Pronunciation: | [ˈkãvəɲ] ⓘ | |
Scots Gaelic : |
Gamhna Gioghach | |
Pronunciation: | [ˈkãũnə ˈkʲi.əx] ⓘ | |
Scots Gaelic : |
geodha | |
Pronunciation: | [ˈkʲɔ.ə] ⓘ | |
Scots Gaelic : |
Gioghach | |
Pronunciation: | [ˈkʲi.əx] ⓘ |
The Hebrides have been occupied by the speakers of at least four languages since the Iron Age, and many of the names of these islands have more than one possible meaning as a result. Many modern authorities hold that the name "Gigha" is probably derived either from the Norse Guðey or from Gud-øy, meaning either "good island" or "God island".[1][7][11][12] The Norse historical text Hákonar saga Hákonarsonar explicitly calls the island Guðey.[3]
Despite this, Keay and Keay (1994) and Haswell-Smith (2004) suggest the Gaelic name is derived instead from Gjáey, meaning "island of the
A Gigha resident is a Gioghach, also nicknamed a gamhainn ("stirk").
Geology
The bedrock of Gigha is largely
Geography
Gigha lies five kilometres (2+1⁄2 nautical miles) off the coast of
The main settlement is Ardminish which is on the south east coast and offers a small anchorage in the sheltered Ardminish Bay. Further to the north is Druimyeon Bay and beyond that West and East Tarbert Bays which (as their names imply) lie astride a small isthmus. There are various farms and associated buildings located throughout the island including Kinerarach and Tarbert in the north[20][21] Ardailly in the west, where there are two holiday homes and a ruined watermill[22] and North and South Druimachro on the east coast south of Ardmininsh.[23][24]
The climate is mild with higher than average sunshine hours and minimum temperatures, and lower than average days of ground frost for Scotland.[7][11] Annual rainfall is typically between 1,000 and 1,290 mm (39 and 51 in).[25]
Surrounding islands
Cara Island lies just offshore to the south, the smaller Craro Island lies to the west and Gigalum Island to the south east. A sandy spit connects Gigha to Eilean Garbh in the north-west. To the north are the rocks called An Dubh Sgeir (a common name meaning "black rock") and Gamhna Giogha. The Sound of Gigha separates Gigha and its attendant isles from mainland Kintyre.[19]
To the west and north west respectively, are the two large islands of Islay and Jura. South west are Rathlin Island and the north of Ireland, which can be seen from Gigha on clear days.[26] Between Jura and Gigha are the rocks of Na Cuiltean and Skervuile Lighthouse. Between Gigha and Port Ellen on Islay is the island of Texa. Eilean Mòr and Island of Danna are little further up the Argyll coast to the north.
There are also many small rocks and skerries (small rock islands) in the seas around Gigha. Asked by a tourist if he knew where they all were, local resident Willie McSporran (see below) replied "No, but I know where they aren't and that's good enough for me".[27]
History
Gigha has been inhabited continuously since prehistoric times, and there are several
In the
There is some evidence to show that the island might have been the seat of power for Conall mac Comgall, King of Dalriada, in the mid to late 6th century. The Annals of Tigernach refer to a Battle of Delgon (later Cindeglen) in 574, and this has been identified as taking place on Gigha, then referred to as Eilean da Ghallagan,[31][32] although other sources believe the battle took place in Kintyre.[33]
Norse period
Nearby Islay was a centre for Norse control over the Hebrides, and Gigha was later part of the Kingdom of the Isles. The island's name appears to be Norse in origin, although its meaning is disputed, and there are several other Norse placenames in the vicinity, such as Gigalum (i.e. "Gigha - holm") and Cnoc Haco (possibly "Haakon's hill").[34]
In 1849, a Viking grave was found at East Tarbert Bay, which revealed a number of artefacts, including a bronze weighing balance dated to the 10th century.[13][35]
Prior to the
- King Haco sailed afterwards south to Guðey before Kintyre where he anchored. There King John met him; he came in the ship with Bishop Thorgil. King Haco desired him to follow his banner as he should do. But King John excused himself. He said he had sworn an oath to the Scottish King, and held of him more lands than of the Norwegian Monarch; he therefore entreated King Haco to dispose of all those estates which he had conferred upon him. King Haco kept him with him some time, and endeavoured to incline his mind to fidelity. Many laid imputations to his charge. King Haco indeed had before received bad accounts of him from the Hebrides; for John Langlife-son came to the King, while he was sailing west from Shetland, and told him the news that John King of the Hebrides, breaking his faith, had turned to the Scottish Monarch. King Haco, however, would not believe this till he had found it so.
- During King Haco's stay at Guðey an Abbot of a monastery of Greyfriars waited on him, begging protection for their dwelling, and Holy Church: and this the King granted them in writing.
- Friar Simon had lain sick for some time. He died at Guðey. His corpse was afterwards carried up to Kintire where the Greyfriars interred him in their Church. They spread a fringed pall over his grave, and called him a Saint.[36]
John of Islay
After
Clan MacNeill
Gigha is the ancestral home of the Clan MacNeill, which possesses its own tartan and Clan badge, both distinctly different from those of the larger and better known
The origin of the MacNeills of
In 1449
Medieval conflict
In 1554 the MacNeills relinquished their Gigha holdings to the MacDonalds, but if anything the conflicts intensified. In 1567 Gigha was "ravaged" by the
The siege was only lifted when MacDonald of Dunivaig agreed with MacLean of Duart to surrender half of his lands on Islay. However, despite his agreement with the MacLeans, MacDonald of Dunivaig then invaded the MacLean islands of Mull,
In 1590, Angus of Islay sold out to John Campbell of Cawdor, a junior cousin of the Earl of Argyll. In a move that may well have been pre-arranged Campbell then immediately resold back to Neil MacNeill of Taynish.[42][43] The church at Kilchattan that dates from this period has some "intricately carved medieval grave slabs".[13]
17th century
Visiting in the late 17th century Martin Martin wrote:
This isle is for the most part arable, but rocky in other parts; the mould is brown and clayey, inclining to red; it is good for pasturage and cultivation. The corn growing here is oats and barley. The cattle bred here are cows, horses, and sheep. There is a church in this island called Kilchattan, it has an altar in the east end, and upon it a font of stone which is very large, and hath a small hole in the middle which goes quite through it. There are several tombstones in and about this church; the family of the Macneils, the principal possessors of this isle, are buried under the tombstones on the east side the church, where there is a plot of ground set apart for them. Most of all the tombs have a two-handed sword engraven on them, and there is one that has the representation of a man upon it... This isle affords no wood of any kind, but a few bushes of juniper on the little hills.[44]
Modern period
In the 18th century the population of Gigha peaked at over 600, but it had declined to just under 400 by the close of the 19th century. After half a millennium of association, the MacNeills sold the island for £49,000 to James Williams Scarlett, a nephew of James Scarlett, 1st Baron Abinger in 1865. His son, Lieutenant-Colonel William James Scarlett, built the mansion house of Achamore and Gigha remained in the family's hands until 1919.[45][46]
During the 20th century the island had various other owners. Major John Allen bought the island from the Scarletts and sold it to Richard Hamer in 1937, before passing ownership during World War II to his brother-in-law, Somerset de Chair,[47] who in turn sold to Sir James Horlick in 1944.[48] Horlick is recalled as a generous owner who encouraged dairy farming and created the gardens of Achamore. David Landale then purchased it from the Horlick estate in 1973 and retained it until 1989. Meanwhile he had created a fish farm at South Druimachro, which now specialises in halibut and has a growing international reputation.[49][24] Over the years little further development took place, and some owners are recalled less fondly.[7][50] The island briefly passed into the hands of Malcolm Potier, a property developer,[51] and subsequently to Derek Holt and his family prior to the sale to the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust.[52] By the 1960s resident numbers had fallen to 163; and by the beginning of the 21st century the population was reduced to only 98 and the housing stock was in poor condition.[53][54]
|
|
Note: The figures for 1755–1841 include Cara.[7]
Community buy-out
The challenges created by private landlords came to an end in March 2002 when the islanders managed, with help from grants and loans from the National Lottery and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, to purchase the island for £4 million. They now own it through a development trust called the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust.[55] As a result, 15 March, the day when the purchase went through, is celebrated as the island's "independence day".[56] £1 million of the financial support was in the form of a short-term loan. The money to pay this loan back was largely raised by selling Achamore House (but not the gardens) to Don Dennis, a businessman from California. Dennis now operates a flower essences importing business and a boat tours company from the house, which is also rented out as a bed and breakfast business.[57] An additional £200,000 was raised by the islanders through various fundraising ventures, allowing the loan to be paid back to the Scottish Land Fund on 15 March 2004.[58] Since the community buyout, several other private businesses have sprung up on Gigha, providing a boost to the local economy. The island's population and economy have begun to recover as a result of these activities.[59]
Economy
Gigha's economy is largely dependent on livestock farming, tourism and some limited fishing. There have been some moves to diversify the economy since the community buy-out. There is also a
365 hectares (900 acres) of arable land are farmed and relative to its size it is the most fertile and productive island in Scotland.[60] Ayrshire cattle are kept on the island.
In October 2006 it was announced[53] that the population had reached 150 – a rise of more than 50 per cent since the 2002 buy-out. Willie McSporran, former chairman of the Heritage Trust, was quoted as saying: "The trust turned 300 years of population decline on its head by encouraging new development and the growth of the local economy. A sign of the surge of people wanting to relocate to Gigha is that we are struggling to meet the demand for housing despite building 18 new homes." The issues of island ownership are not unique to Gigha and consequently the island has been highlighted in an edition of the BBC series, Countryfile.
In 2010 the historian
Wind turbines
The Heritage Trust set up Gigha Renewable Energy Ltd. to buy and operate three Vestas V27 wind turbines, known locally as The Dancing Ladies or Creideas, Dòchas is Carthannas (Gaelic for Faith, Hope and Charity).[63] They were commissioned on 21 January 2005 and are capable of generating up to 675 kW of power. Revenue is produced by selling the electricity to the grid via an intermediary called Green Energy UK. Gigha residents control the whole project and profits are reinvested in the community.[64] In 2016 two batteries were added to the system.[65]
Transport and infrastructure
There is an unmanned grass landing strip running east–west near the southern end of the island, requiring prior permission for landing. It is one of the closest airstrips to
A Caledonian MacBrayne ferry service links the island's only village, Ardminish, to Tayinloan on the Kintyre peninsula of the Scottish mainland. This in turn links to the A83 road.
There is a primary school on the island, but secondary pupils must go to the mainland for education. Ardminish has the pier, post office and shop.[13] The island's postcode is PA41.
Attractions
Attractions on the island include the 20.2 hectares (50 acres) Achamore Gardens, begun in 1945 by Sir James Horlick and known for its rhododendrons and azaleas, the many sandy beaches and the thirteenth-century St Catan's Chapel ruins. There is also a nine-hole golf course,[11][66] which is currently not in use.[citation needed]
Wildlife
Because it is set on the eastern shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Gigha attracts a wide variety of sea birds such as
Shipwrecks
Gigha's coasts have seen numerous wrecks. In August 1886 the Staffa ran aground on Cath Sgier west of Craro. The ship remained on the reef in calm overnight conditions and all crew and 21 passengers were rescued the following morning. On 8 April 1894 the steamship Udea was lost on the same rocks with a cargo of coal and iron. Owned by David MacBrayne, she was en route from
Culture
Gigha had a vigorous tradition of harping, represented mainly by the family called Mac an Bhreatnaigh (Galbraith), who were active in Gigha and Kintyre, and it is thought that their descendants were in Gigha until at least 1685.[69]
Gaelic
In the 1990s it was reported that many of the island's residents spoke Gaelic,[13] although the numbers have declined significantly in recent years.
Gigha has historically been a very strong Gaelic speaking area. In both the 1901 and 1921 censuses, the island was reported to be over 75% Gaelic speaking. By 1971, the proportion had dropped to the 25–49.9% range.[70] In the 2001 census, the percentage of Gaelic speakers had dropped to 14%.[70]
In the 1930s, Gigha Gaelic was studied extensively by N.M. Holmer, who noted features such as its weak
In 2008, Henri Macaulay of Gigha Gallery received funding from the Gaelic development body,
Notable residents
- English as a foreign or second language study book[74]and in the widely used English textbooks for adults New Headway Elementary and New Headway Elementary 3rd Edition
- Willie McSporran, MBE the first chairman of the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust. He is the brother of Seamus.[27]
- Giolla Críost Brúilingeach, mid 15th century harper.[69]
- Vie Tulloch, noted sculptor and the island's oldest resident until her death in 2011.[75]
See also
References
Notes
- ^ a b c Mac an Tàilleir, Iain (2003) Ainmean-àite/Placenames. (pdf) Pàrlamaid na h-Alba. Retrieved 26 August 2012. This author specifies "God's island".
- ^ "Map of Scotland in Scots - Guide and gazetteer" (PDF).
- ^ a b Called such in Hákonar saga Hákonarsonar, § 328, line 8 Archived 2012-07-14 at archive.today, "Then King Hakon sailed south long Kintyre and lay at the place that is called Guðey" and § 329, line 7[dead link], "Then they went out under Guðey, to King Hakon"; see A. O. Anderson, Early Sources, vol. ii, pp. 617, 620
- ^ Haswell-Smith (2004) pp. 502–03. Modified to include bridged islands.
- ^ 2011 census.
- ^ a b c d e f National Records of Scotland (15 August 2013). "Appendix 2: Population and households on Scotland's Inhabited Islands" (PDF). Statistical Bulletin: 2011 Census: First Results on Population and Household Estimates for Scotland Release 1C (Part Two) (PDF) (Report). SG/2013/126. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Haswell-Smith (2004) pp. 37–41.
- ^ Infobox source is Haswell-Smith (2004) pp. 37–41 unless otherwise stated.
- ^ "Isle of Gigha/Giogha". Ordnance Survey. Retrieved 7 February 2019.
- ^ "Old Maps of Britain and Europe". A Vision of Britain through Time. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
- ^ a b c Murray (1977) pp. 115–16.
- ^ Czerkawaska (2006) pp. 35–36.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Keay & Keay (1994) p. 423.
- ^ Czerkawaska (2006) pp. 35–37. This author accepts that the possibility of a connection with Sheela na Gig is "a remote and contentious one!" and also suggests "island of the good harbour" rather than simply "good island".
- ^ Holmer, N. The Gaelic of Kintyre Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, Dublin 1962, p.7
- ^ Holmer, N. Studies on Argyllshire Gaelic K. Humnistiska Vetenskaps, Uppsala 1938, p.175
- ^ "Onshore Geoindex". British Geological Survey. British Geological Survey. Retrieved 4 February 2020.
- ^ "Sound of Gigha Sheet 20 and part of 21W Solid and Drift Edition". BGS large map images. British Geological Survey. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
- ^ a b Explorer 357: Kintyre North, Knapdale South & Isle of Gigha. (2001) Southampton. Ordnance Survey.
- ^ "Kinerarach". Gazetteer for Scotland. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
- ^ "Tarbert". Gazetteer for Scotland. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
- ^ "Ardailly". Gazetteer for Scotland. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
- ^ "North Druimachro". Gazetteer for Scotland. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
- ^ a b "South Druimachro". Gazetteer for Scotland. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
- ^ "1971-2000 mapped averages" Met Office. Retrieved 16 September 2008. Archived September 27, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Murray (1966) p. 2.
- ^ a b Czerkawaska (2006) p. 189.
- ^ It is badly weathered and the etching is probably a name on a tombstone. Various attempts have been made to decipher it e.g. "Vicula Maq Comgini" (Fiacal, son of Coemgen). See Czerkawaska (2006) p. 99.
- ^ Thomson (1994) p. 40 Cenél nGabrain
- ^ Grimble (1985) p. 9 Chap. 2 Isles of the Saints
- ^ McLeod, John "Remarks on the Supposed Site of Delgon or Cindelgen, the Seat of Connal, King of Dalriada, AD 563." (December 1983) (pdf) Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Retrieved 18 March 2007. The Scottish antiquarian W.F. Skene originally identified this battle site as being in west Knapdale. He later revised his opinion on evidence presented to him by the archaeologist Hugh Maclean of Tarbet.
- ^ Innes, C. (1832)"Syllabus of Scottish Cartularies" Archived 2011-06-07 at the Wayback Machine (pdf) Retrieved 28 June 2007.
- ^ Onomasticon Godelicum. CELT/Documents of Ireland
- ^ Czerkawaska (2006) pp. 115–16.
- ^ Czerkawaska (2006) p. 113.
- ^ "The Norwegian account of Haco's expedition against Scotland, A.D. MCCLXIII." Project Gutenberg. Retrieved 1 October 2008.
- ^ Oram, Richard "The Lordship of the Isles". p. 124; Michael Brown (2004) The Wars of Scotland. Edinburgh. p. 271.
- ^ "MacNeill of Colonsay" Archived 2006-12-30 at the Wayback Machine ScotClans. Retrieved 6 April 2007.
- Moncreiffe of that Ilk, Iain. The Highland Clans. London. Barrie & Rockliff. 1967.
- ^ Czerkawaska (2006) p. 130.
- ^ Roberts (1999) pp. 91—92.
- ^ Czerkawaska (2006) p. 131.
- ^ Grimble (1985) p. 45 Chap. 5 Campbell Takeover
- ^ Martin (1703) "The Isle Gigha".
- ^ Czerkawaska (2006) pp. 179-80
- ^ Haswell-Smith (2004) p. 39 states that Gigha was bought by "Captain William Scarlet of Thryberg in Yorkshire" who also built Achamore House.
- ^ "Somerset de Chair". everything2.com. Retrieved 14 May 2011.
- ^ Czerkawaska (2006) p. 181
- ^ Ross, David (20 Sep 2008) "Out to make a splash in the market". Glasgow. The Herald. Retrieved 14 May 2011.
- ^ Czerkawaska (2006) pp. 213-214.
- ^ Farquharson, Kenny (8 Oct 2006) "The laird who fell from grace". London. The Times. Retrieved 14 May 2011.
- ^ Womersley, Tara (30 Oct 2001) "Now Gigha's owner must decide on bids". London. The Telegraph. Retrieved 14 May 2011.
- ^ a b Ross, J (13 October 2006). "Island of opportunity welcomes a population explosion". The Scotsman. Edinburgh. Retrieved 11 July 2007.
- ^ Czerkawaska (2006) pp. 214-215.
- ^ "Isle of Gigha website". Retrieved 6 January 2008.
- ^ "Island officially changes hands". BBC News Online. 15 March 2002. Retrieved 6 January 2008.
- ^ Linda Gannell (19 September 2007). "Besting Mick Jagger". The New York Times Great Homes. Retrieved 6 January 2008.
- ^ "How Gigha was bought by the community". Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust. Archived from the original on 17 September 2007. Retrieved 6 January 2008.
- ^ "The History of Gigha" Archived 2008-09-21 at the Wayback Machine Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust. Retrieved 13 September 2008.
- ^ Murray (1973) p. 34.
- ^ "Ross, David (20 August 2010) "Cameron should visit Gigha to see the Big Society in action, says historian". Glasgow: The Herald.
- ^ "Scotland's 2011 census: Island living on the rise". BBC News. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
- ^ "Let's Talk Renewables" (PDF). HIE. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 April 2008. Retrieved 6 January 2008.
- ^ "Green Energy press release". greenenergy.uk.com. 26 January 2005. Archived from the original on 21 December 2006. Retrieved 1 February 2007.
- ^ "redT's energy storage machines ready for Isle of Gigha project". Renewablesnow.com. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
- ^ "Gigha Today" Archived 2008-09-13 at the Wayback Machine Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust. Retrieved 9 September 2008. Gigha Boats and Activity Centre is another new enterprise brought to the island following the buy out - allowing tourists and islanders alike to get a fresh perspective on the island and to discover seals, dolphins and other wildlife that surrounds it. See "Gigha Boats Activity Centre" Gigha.net. Retrieved 8 July 2009.
- ^ Murray (1966) pp. 65–66.
- ^ Baird (1995) pp. 98–102.
- ^ a b Thomson (1994). p. 117 Harpers
- ^ a b Mac an Tàilleir, Iain (2004) 1901-2001 Gaelic in the Census (PowerPoint ) Linguae Celticae. Retrieved 1 June 2008.
- ^ Holmer, N.M. (1938) Studies on Argyllshire Gaelic. Uppsala & Leipzig. (Mainly discusses Gigha and Islay, as well as Skye.)
- ^ "Gaelic Classes are back!". Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust. Archived from the original on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 23 January 2008.
- ^ Czerkawaska (2006) p. 3.
- ^ Soars (2006) p. 24-25.
- ^ "Open Country" June 2005.BBC Radio 4. Retrieved 21 June 2009.
Sources
- Anderson, Alan Orr (1922). "Early Sources of Scottish History A.D. 500 to 1286". ii. Edinburgh: Oliver and Boyd.
{{cite journal}}
: Cite journal requires|journal=
(help) - Baird, Bob (1995) Shipwrecks of the West of Scotland. Glasgow. Nekton Books. ISBN 1-897995-02-4
- Czerkawaska, Catherine (2006) God's Islanders: A History of the People of Gigha. Edinburgh. Birlinn. ISBN 1-84158-297-2
- Grimble, Ian (1985) Scottish Islands British Broadcasting Corporation (London) ISBN 0-563-20361-7
- Haswell-Smith, Hamish (2004). The Scottish Islands. Edinburgh: Canongate. ISBN 978-1-84195-454-7.
- Keay, J. & Keay, J. (1994) ISBN 0-00-255082-2
- Martin, Martin (1703) "A Voyage to St. Kilda" in A Description of The Western Islands of Scotland, Appin Regiment/Appin Historical Society. Retrieved 16 September 2008.
- Murray, W.H. (1966) The Hebrides. London. Heinemann.
- Murray, W.H.(1973) The Islands of Western Scotland. London. Eyre Methuen.
- Murray, W.H. (1977) The Companion Guide to the West Highlands of Scotland. London. Collins.
- Roberts, John L. (1999) Feuds, Forays and Rebellions: History of the Highland Clans, 1475-1625. Edinburgh University Press. ISBN 0-7486-6244-8
- Soars, Liz and John (2006) New Headway Elementary 3rd Edition. Oxford. ISBN 978-0-19-471509-6
- Thomson, Derick (ed.) (1994) The Companion to Gaelic Scotland. Glasgow. Gairm. ISBN 1-871901-31-6
External links
- Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust
- Islay's Neighbour - The Isle of Gigha Archived 13 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine