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Field notebook of Alexander Carmichael, 1883 to 1887

 Series
Identifier: Coll-97/CW120

Scope and Contents

Field notebook belonging to Alexander Carmichael containing material collected mostly in An Apainn/Appin and Lios Mòr/Lismore, Earra Ghàidheal/Argyllshire. A large proportion of the stories and biographical information about Appin was collected from Donald MacColl, foxhunter, Glencreran, who was known as Dòmhnall a' Bhrocair. Amongst the material collected from Dòmhnall a' Bhrocair are proverbs, sayings, customs, stories about local figures and families and historic anecdotes. The other main informant was Mary Carmichael from Druimavuic also in Glencreran, who had fairy lore and customs relating to Curalan or St Cyril. The notebook contains a lot of material on holy wells, holy stones and graveyards and customs connected with them, especially those related to Curalan and found in Appin. Carmichael also collected some songs and lore from Ann Livingstone, Bun Abha/Bonawe connected to that part of Argyllshire and noted items of archaeological and geographical interest while in that area. There is a small amount of stories relating to Barraigh/Barra, particularly in relation to sea-faring and there are notes on Ì Chaluim Chille/Iona and St Columba towards the end of the notebook, which Carmichael appears to have been copying from published sources.

Dates

  • Creation: 1883 to 1887

Language of Materials

Gaelic,English

Conditions Governing Access

This material is unrestricted.

Extent

1 notebook ; 17.5 x 10.8 cm

Arrangement

The items within this series are listed in the order in which they appear within the notebook.

Physical Location

5.07

Existence and Location of Copies

Microfilm: Mic.Dup.1146/6

Repository Details

Part of the University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections Repository

Contact:
Centre for Research Collections
University of Edinburgh Main Library
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9LJ Scotland
+44(0)131 650 8379