Finlaggan, the Headquarters of the Lords of the Isles on the Isle of Islay
In 1138, on the Isle of Islay (pronounced “Eye-la”) in what today is the Western Highlands of Scotland, Somerled, the Norse-Gael who forged the Kingdom of the Isles, built what would become the headquarters of the Lordship. The “castle” stood on an island in Loch Findlugan, named after the saint who walked its shores in the 6th century (the loch is now called “Finlaggan”).
Somerled reflects on the importance of the site in Summer Warrior as he gazes at the islands in the loch and imagines what will be:
“In time, he would build other, more magnificent strongholds in Argyll and the Isles but none would be more significant for the future of his lordship than this secret place. Here the council of chiefs would meet. Here new lords would be installed. And here, peace would be celebrated and God would be praised.”
The loch lies amidst gently curving moorland, inland from the sea, making it impossible for anyone to approach without being seen. Today, all that is left is the remains of the place Somerled and his descendants regarded as the seat of their lordship for centuries. It was never heavily fortified, like other true castles of the time, likely because of its sheltered location, though it did have guards and a guardhouse.
This is what Finlaggan looked like from the digital reconstruction:
From here, the ruling MacDonald lords commanded a strong maritime kingdom. Not only did they govern wisely, seeking counsel from magnates and learned men, they followed royal protocols, endowed monasteries, exacted tribute, traded widely and lived lavishly. (The MacDonald lords and their visitors ate and drank well.)
On the largest of the two islands, Eilean Mor, there was a great hall, along with a chapet, houses, kilns and barns. On the smaller island, Eilean na Comhairle, the Lords of the Isles held their councils, made laws, created land charters and passed judgments. There were other buildings that served as guest quarters, additional housing, workshops, barns, and storage areas. They were typical dwellings and outbuildings for the period, modest oval or rectangular thatched structures with central hearths and timber walls built on stone and turf foundations.
A stone chapel served a Christian community that worshipped in the Celtic or Culdee tradition of Columba. On the loch’s shore, housing was provided for those who stood guard over the MacDonalds.
“Walker weaves a spellbinding tale of heroism and adventure coupled with a touching love story.” – A Reader's Review
Somerled’s parentage was noble, of the Kings of Dublin, the royal house of Argyll and the great Ard Ri, the High Kings of Ireland. But when the Norse invaded Argyll and the Isles, his family’s fortunes fell with those of his people. All hope seemed lost, when he rose from the mists of Morvern to rally the Gaels, the Scots and the Irish.
Sweeping across Argyll and the Isles like a fast-moving storm, brilliant in strategy and fearless in battle, Somerled began retaking his ancestral lands, driving away the invaders and freeing the people from the Norse stranglehold. In doing so, he would win the title Somerle Mor, Somerled the Mighty, Lord of Argyll, Kintyre and Lorne and, eventually, Lord of the Isles.
This is the unforgettable saga of his path to victory that forged the Kingdom of the Isles and won him the heart of a Norse king’s daughter.
On Amazon:
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On Goodreads:
Summer Warrior: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52609253-summer-warrior
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Thanks for featuring Summer Warrior on your blog! Btw, I don't think the pictures that go with the post loaded. (At least I couldn't see them.)
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