What was it like to live on a Hebridean island in the 15th century? Kevin Byrne has thoroughly researched the subject and presents us with the story of Colla Ciotach MacDonald and his mighty son, Sir Alexander MacDonald of Colonsay, Knight of the Field. Every since Kevin moved to Colonsay he has been collecting information on this family.

This autobiographical book will help the reader understand Colla Ciotach's was not an unimportant person in the history of the Hebrides. He was just the opposite a very important factor in the development of this part of the Hebrides. The author presents a great deal of detail on the family beginning with the origins of Clan Donald of Colonsay, the struggles in the Hebrides, family life, the feud with the MacDuffie's, the surrender of Dunivaig Castle and so very much more.

The thing I liked the most about this book is coming to an understanding that war and battle was such a big part of Colonsay and all the Hebridean Islands. We are all familiar with the battles of the Highland clans but the island clans were constantly in battle to survive. The wars were a large part of their existence and necessary to maintain life and politics on the confines of small Hebridean Islands.

An example of this is exhibited in this short segment from Colla Ciotach's escape to Ireland.

Following his daring escape from Dunivaig on 2 February, successfully accomplished "ged a bha na peilearan a' feadalaich mu'n clusan" (despite the bullets whistling about their ears), Coll and his little party landed about five miles away, at the Oa, destroyed their damaged boat and scattered to the four winds. Campbell of Calder was anxious to catch them and in addition to scouring Islay, ordered the destruction of all the remaining boats on the island. Coll, presumably accompanied by his stepson, Angus, was not be so easily contained, and having assembled a small force of about sixty men, seems to have made his way across to Jura.

In a chance accouter with one Donald Campbell, son of Ronald Campbell of Craignish and an obvious opponent, Colla Ciotach appears to have tried to avoid confrontation. This is of interest, because it seems to reflect his naturual behaviour - neither of the sieges of Dunivaig had seen him involved in wanton violence and even the wily Graham had not persuaded Coll to do physical harm to Lieutenant's Herald. This helps to underline the fact that Coll's motivation was basically political, and that he was working in a committed way to protect the interest of the survivors of Clan Iain Mhóir.

We really liked this book and have awarded it three thistles. If you are interested in the Clan Donald and/or the Inner Hebrides you shouldn't miss this one. When you finish it you will have a deeper appreciation of the island people and their history.

This 240-page book is available from the Scottish Radiance Book Shelf for $26.00 including postage and handling. You can purchase it on our order page.