Scope and Contents

Field notebook belonging to Alexander Carmichael containing an essay entitled 'Bards and Bardism of the Highlands'; some notes on archaeology in Barra [Barraigh], Vatersay [Bhatarsaigh] and Sandray [Sanndraigh]; Fenian songs and poems; songs and poems relating to the MacDonalds; and a story entitled 'Prince Charlie's Pipe' mostly collected from South Uist [Uibhist a Deas] and Benbecula [Beinn na Faoghla].

Scope and Contents

Note about archaeological sites around Loch Druidibeag/Loch Druidibeg, Tobha Beag/Howbeg, Sniseabhal/Snishival and Peighinn nan Aoireann/Peninerine, South Uist. Including the locations of Eilean an Ràna, Eilean an t-Sagairt and Dùn Altripeadh [Dùn Altabrug]. He states that Dùn Altabrug is roofed; that 'sornaichean' [kilns] are visible on Eilean na Cre'ich on Loch Eilean an t-Sagairt and at Gearr-sgeirean, Peninerine at low-tide a 'bota-moina' [vein of peat] six feet high can also be seen.

Scope and Contents

Note about Iseabeal ni Raoil [Isabel Ross née MacDonald], daughter of Ranald MacDonald who was reported to be well over one hundred years old with 'all her faculties' when she died in 1866. She died in Archibald Morrison's house at Snaoisval [Sniseabhal/Snishival, Uibhist a Deas/South Uist]. It also notes that she [worked with] Flora MacDonald when she returned from America. Text has been scored through as if transcribed elsewhere.

Scope and Contents

Notes on Sorcha an Orfhuilt stating that Duncan Macdonald, Snaoisval [Sniseabhal/Snishival, Uibhist a Deas/South Uist] said that she was the girl who went amongst the deer and that Mr Alexander Campbell, priest at Bornish [Bornais] said that she was also called 'Fionna nam Fiadh'. There are question marks besides the name 'Binneach nam Fiadh'.

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Notes on the family relationship between Alexander MacDonald, Snaoisveal [Sniseabhal/Snishival, Uibhist a Deas/South Uist] and the Duke of Tarentum.

Scope and Contents Song collected from Duncan Macdonald, aged 86 years, Snaoisval [Sniseabhal/Snishival, Uibhist a Deas/South Uist] beginning 'Dhuisg mo leanan[n] mi m chadal S mi ga[bha]il fadail an dhusga'. The song is composed of thirty-nine lines. The text has been scored through in ink and written transversely across the first folio is 'Transcribed 17th/12 1883 30 Royal Circus Edinburgh A[lexander] Carmichael'. The accompanying story tells how the song was composed by a young woman 'who became insane...

Scope and Contents Song entitled 'Dhuisg Mo Leannan Mi' and accompanying story entitled 'Sorcha An Or-fhuilt A Chaidh Fiadhan Eir Na Feidh' or 'Clara of the Golden Hair That Went Wild With the Deer' collected from Duncan MacDonald, age 86, crofter, Snaisebhal, South Uist [Sniseabhal/Snishival, Uibhist a Deas]. The story tells of two young lovers on South Uist who are forbidden to marry. The young woman goes mad, runs away from home and is discovered living naked with deer on Ben More [Beinn Mhòr]. Despite many...

Scope and Contents

Song entitled 'Laoi Chriosd' beginning 'S mor mo smaoint ad ainm/clos' collected from Donald MacDonald, age 6, Sniseabhal/Snishival, Uibhist a Deas/South Uist. Text has been scored through and over it is written 'Transcribed into Book No III p109 A[lexander] A[rchibald] C[armichael]'.

Scope and Contents Song entitled 'Laoi Dhiairmaid' probably collected from Duncan MacDonald, [Donnachadh Mac an Tàillear], from Snaosveall [Sniseabhal/Snishival, Uibhist a Deas/South Uist], which Duncan had heard from his father. The song is a conversation between Diarmaid and Grainne, in which Grainne tries to persuade Diarmaid not to go off to battle. Carmichael notes 'Reciter a smart little man sor[e]ly inflicted with rhumatism. Has a clear blue eye & an intelligent face'. Text has been scored through...

Scope and Contents

Song entitled 'Laoi Fhraoich' beginning 'Osna caraid an cluain Fraoch' collected from Donald MacDonald, age 6, Sniseabhal/Snishival, Uibhist a Deas/South Uist. Text has been scored through and over it is written 'Book II page Trans[cribed] 7 May 1869 A[lexander] A[rchibald] C[armichael]'.