The Vikings established a system of local governance in the Hebrides, with their chieftains and jarls controlling territories that included Tiree. The Norse also brought their own unique culture and traditions, which blended with the existing Gaelic culture. Norse settlers left a significant mark on the island, especially in the form of place names derived from Old Norse. For example, many places on Tiree have names with Viking origins, such as Scarinish (from Old Norse skár meaning "sharp" or "rocky") and Balephetrish (from Old Norse bál meaning "fire" or "bonfire").
The Vikings ruled the Hebrides for several centuries, but their influence began to wane in the 12th century, as the islands came under the control of the Kingdom of Scotland. The transition from Viking rule to Scottish control marked the end of an era, but the Norse legacy remained a vital part of Tiree’s cultural identity.
The Middle Ages and the Scottish Crown
Following the end of Viking rule in the Hebrides, Tiree became part of the Kingdom of Scotland. By the 12th century, the island was firmly under Scottish control, and it became a part of the Lordship of the Isles, a powerful Gaelic kingdom that ruled over much of the western Highlands and islands. The Lordship of the Isles, at its peak, controlled a vast swath of territory, and Tiree was an important part of this domain.
However, by the 15th century, the power of the Lordship of the Isles began to decline due to internal struggles and external pressures from the Scottish crown. In 1493, the Lordship was formally dissolved by King James IV of Scotland, who sought to consolidate royal power over the western isles. Tiree, along with many other islands, came under the direct control of the Scottish monarchy. shutdown123