it Moâ—…ochasgia Drinacha full of Thornes and Bourtrée ouercouered with the ruines of old houses Wrichtâ—…un fertill of Wood. Item Ransa Kernera The greatest Iland next vnto Iura Westward is Yla foure and twentie miles in length and sixetéene of bredth extended from the South to the North abundant in store Cornes Déere and Lead there is a fresh water in it called Laiâ—… and a Créeke of salt water and therein are many Ilands There is also a fresh water Loch wherein stands the Iland named Falingania sometime the chiefe seate of all the Iles Men. There the Gouernour of the Iles vsurping the name of a King was wont to dwell Neere vnto this Iland and somewhat lesse then it is the round Iland taking the name from Counsell for therein was the Iustice seat and fouretéene of the most worthy of the Countrey did minister Iustice vnto all the rest continually and intreated of the waighty affayres of the Realme in Counsell whose great equitie and discretion kept peace both at home and abroad and with peace was the companion of peace abundance of all things Betwixt Ila and Iura lyes a little Iland taking the name from a Cairne of stones At the south of Ila doel ye Colurna Muluoris Ossuna Brigidana Corskera The low Iland â—…mersga Beathia Texa Ouicularia Noasiga Vinarda Caua Tarsheria The great Iland Auchnarra The Iland made like a Man The Iland of Iohn Sâ—…badis At the west corner of Ilâ—… Iyes Ouersa wherethâ—… Sea is most tempostuous and at certayne houres â—…gable The Marchants Iland and South westwards from it Vsâ—…brasta Tanasta and Nefa The Weauers Iland 8. miles from Ila somewhat North lyes Ornansa Next vnto it the Swines Iland Halfe a mile from Ornansa Colâ—…ansa North from Colâ—…ansa lyes the Mule 20. miles from Ila This I le is 24. miles of length and as much in bredth fruitfull of Cornes there are many Woods in it and many Heards of Déere and a good Hauen for Ships there are in it two waters well spred of Salmond Fishes and some stripes not empty thereof There are also two Loches in it and in euery one an Iland and in euery Iland a Tower The Sea running in this Iland at 4. sundry parts makes 4. salt water Loches therein all 4. abounding in Herring To the Northwest lyes Columbaria or the Dowe Iland to the Southeast Era both the one and the other profitable for Beaâ—…iall Corâ—… and for fishings From this Iland lyes the Iland of Sanctcolmâ—… two miles of length and more then a mile of bredth fertill of all things renowned by the ancient Monuments of the Countrey There were two Abbeyes in this Iland and a Court or a Parish Church with many Chappels builded of the liberality of the Kings of Scotland and Gouernours of the Iles. There is as yet remayning amongst the old Ruines a Buriall place or Church-yard common to all the Noble Families of the West Iles wherein there are thrée Tombes higher then the rest distant one from another a little space and thrée little Houses situated to the East builded seuerally vpon the thrée Tombes vpon the West side are stones grauen which stand in the middest bearing this title The Tombes of the Kings of Scotland It is sayd there were 48. Kings of Scotland buried there The Tombe vpon the rightside hath this inscription The Tombes of the Kings of Ireland It is recorded that there were foure Kings of Ireland buried there Upon the left side it hath this inscription The Tombes of the Kings of Norway The report is that there were 8. Kings of that Nation â—…uryed there The notable houses of the Iles haue their Tâ—…nbes in the rest of the Church-yard seuerally by themselues About this Iland and â—…re vnto it there are sâ—…e Ilands right fruitfull giuen by the ancient Kings of Scotland and Gouernours of the Iles to the Abbey of Sanctcolme Soâ—… is a very profitable ground for shéep but the chiefe commodityes of it consist in Sea Fowles that build thereâ—…t specially of their Egges Next vnto it is the I le of Women then Rudana Néere vnto it Beâ—…nira and from that Skennia halfe a mile distant from the Mule The Sea sides of it aboâ—… in Câ—…es Fiue miles hence lyeth Froâ—… All their Iles are subiect to Sanctcolmes Abbey Two miles from Fresa lyeth Vâ—…lua fiue miles of length fruitfull of Corne and shore with a commodious Hauen for Gallies or â—…ates Upon the South side of it lyeth Toluansa with a Wood of Nutâ—…s reasâ—…able fruitfull About thrée hundred paces from this Iland lyeth Gomatra two miles long and one mile broâ—…d extending from the North to the South From Goâ—… foure miles Southward lye two Sâ—…affae both full of â—…ing places From thence foure miles Southeast lye the two Keâ—…burgae the more and the lesse enuiâ—…oned with such shoâ—…e high and furious fide that by their owne naturall deâ—… supported somewhat by the industrie of man they are altogether inuincible One mile from them lyes an Iland the whole earth is blacâ—…e whereof the people make Peatâ—… for their 〈◊〉 Next lyeth Longa two miles of length and Bâ—…cha halfe as much From Bacha sixe miles lyes Tiria eyght miles in length and thrée in bredth most fertill of all the Ihonâ—…s it 〈◊〉 in store Cornes Fishings and Sea to wieâ—… In this â—…and there is a fresh water Lorh therein an old Castle with a good hauen for Boates. From this Iland two miles lies Sunna and from Sunna as farre lieth Colla 12. miles of length and 2. miles of breadth a fertill Iland Not farre from it is Culsa almost full of wood and then two Ilands named Mekle Viridis and Little Viridis Item other two of the same names Ouer-against the Mules head and not farre from it lye two Ilands named Glassae and then Arden-Eider that is the high land of the Rider Then Luparia or the Woolfe Iland and after it a great I le lying north from Colla extending East and West Then Ruma 16. miles in length and 6. in bredth the Sea-Fowles lay there Eggs here and there in the ground in the middest of Spring time when the Eggs are layd any man may take of them In the high Rocks the Solayne Géese are taken in aboundance From this Iland foure miles North-East-ward lyes the Horse Iland From it halfe a mile The Swine Iland fruitfull enough in all things necessary the Falcon builded in it with a good Hauen Not farre from it lyes Canna and Egga fertill enough In Egga are Solayne Gâ—…ese Soabrittella profitable for hunting From this Iland is the I le of Skye the greatest of all the Ilands that are about Scotland lying North and South 40. miles in length and 8. miles broad in some places and in other places 12. miles rising in Hills in sundry places full of Woods and Pastorage The ground thereof fertill in corne and store and besides all other kinds of bestiall fruitful of Mares for bréeding of
Horse it hath fiue great Riuers rich in Salmond and many little waters plenty of Salmond and other Fishes The Sea running in the land on all sides make many Salt waters Thrée principall and 13. others all rich in Herring There is in it a fresh water Loch and â—…e Castles About the Skye lye little Ilands scattered here and there Oronsa fertill in Corne and store Cunicularia full of Bushes and Connyes next is Paba 8. miles froÌ„ Paba Southwest lyes Scalpa which besides sundry other commodities hath woods full of troopes of Déere Betwixt the mouth of Zochcarron and Raorsa lies Crulinga 7. miles of length and two of bredth there is a sure Hauen in it for ships There are in it also woods full of Bucke and Déere Halfe a mile from Crulinga is Rona full of wood and hadder with a good Hauen in the innermost Lorh thereof in the mouth of the same Lorh is an Iland of the same Name called Ger-loch From Rona sixe miles Northward lyes Flada Two miles from Flada Euilmena Upon the South side of Skye lyes Oronsa and a mile from it Knya Pabra and great Bina and then fiue little Ilands Next vnto them is Isa fertill in Cornes Beside it is Ouia then Askerma and Lindellâ—… 8. miles from Skye Southward lyes Linga and Gigarmena Benera Megala Pana Flada Scarpa Veruecum Sandara Vatersa which by many other good commodityes hath a Hauen commodious for a number of great Ships whereinto Fishermen of all Countreys about conuene certayne times of the yere ordinarily These last nine Ilands are subiect to the Bishop of the Iles. Two miles from Vatersa is Barra running from the Northwest to the Southeast seuen miles in length fruitfull of cornes and aboundant in Fish there runneth in it a Lorh with a narrow throat growing round and wide within in it there is an Inche and therein a strong Castle Upon the Northside of Barra there riseth an Hill full of Hearbs from the foote to the head vpon the top whereof is a fresh water Well The spring that runneth from this Well to the next Sea caryes with it little things like as they were quicke but hauing the shape of no beast which appeare although obscurely in some respect to represent the fish that is commonly called Cockles The people that dwell there call the part of the shore whereunto these things are carryed The great Sands because that when the Sea ebbes there appeares nothing but dry Sands the space of a mile Out of these Sands the people dig out great Cockles which the Neighbours about iudge eyther to grow as it were of that séede that the springs doe bring from the well or else indéede to grow in that Sea Betwixt Barra and Wist lye these Ilands Oronsa Onia Hakerseta Garnlanga Flada great Buya little Buya Haya Hell Sâ—… Gigaia Lingaia Foraia Fudaia Erisoaia From these Ilands Vistus lyes Northward 34. miles of length and 6. of bredth The tide of the Sea running in two places of this I le causeth it to appeare thrée Ilands but when the tide is out it becommeth all one Iland In it are many fresh water Loches specially one thrée miles long The Sea hath worne in vpon the Land and made it selfe a passage to this Loch and can neuer be holden out albeit the Inhabitants haue made a wall of 60. foote broad to that effect The water entereth in amongst the stones that are builded vp together and leaues behind it at the ebbe many Sea Fishes There is a Fish in it like to the Salmond in all things except that with the white wombe it hath a blacke backe and wanteth scales In this Iland are many fresh water Loches sundry Caues couered with Hadder In it are fiue Churches Eyght miles West from it lyes Helâ—…ther Vetularum pertayning to the Nunnes of the I le of Ione A little further North riseth Haneskera about this Iland at certayne times of the yéere are many Sealches they are taken by the Countrey men Southwest almost 60. miles lyes Hirta fertill in Cornes and store and specially in Shéepe greater then any other Shéepe in any other Ilands About the 17. day of Iune the Lord of this Iland sendeth his Chamberlayne to gather his dutyes and with him a Minister who baptizeth all the Children that are borne the yéere preceding and if the Minister come not euery man baptizeth his owne Child This Hirtha is the last and farthest Ile in Albion so that betwixt the I le of Man being the first I le in Albion and this I le there is 377. miles Returning to Wistus from the north point thereof is the Iland Velaia two miles long and one mile of bredth Betwixt this point and the Iland 〈◊〉 lyes Soa Stroma Pabaia Barneraia Eâ—…saia Keligira little Saga great Saga Harmodra Scaria Grialinga Cillinsa Hea Hoia little Soa great Soa Isa great Seuna little Seuna Taransa Slegana Tuemon All these Ilands are fruitfull of Cornes and store Aboue Horea is Scarpa And halfe a mile towards the West Equinoctiall from the Lewis lys seuen little Ilands named Flananae some holy place in old times of girth or refuge rising vp in hillâ—…s full of Hearbs Further North in the same ranke lyes Garn-Ellan that is she hard I le Lamba Flada Kellasa little Bernera great Bernera Kirta great Bina little Bina Vexaia Pabaia great Sigrama Cunicularia plenty of Conyes little Sigrama The Iland of the Pigmeis wherein there is a Church in which the Pigmeis were buried as they that are neighbours to this Iland beléeue Sundry strangers digging déepely in the ground sometimes haue found yet to this day doe find very little round heads and other little bones of mans body which seemes to approue the truth and apparance of the common bruite In the Northeast side of the Iland Leogus there are 2. Loches running foorth of the Sea named The North and South Loches wherein at all times of the yéere there is abundance of Fish for all men that list to take them From the same side of the Loch somewhat more Southerly lyes Fabilla Adams Iland The Lambe Iland Item Hulmetia Viccoilla Hana Rera Laxa Era The Dowe Iland Tora Affurta Scalpa Flada Senta at the East side thereof there is a passage vnder the earth vaulted aboue a flight shoote of length into the which little Boates may eyther sayle or row for eschewing of the violent tide Somewhat Eastwards lyes an Iland named Old Castle a roome strong of nature and plenty of Cornes Fish and Egges of Sea Fowles to nourish the Inhabitants At that side where Lochbrien enters is situate the Iland Ew More Northerly lyes the Iland Grumorta both these Ilands full of Wood. The Iland named The Priests Iland lyes the same way profitable for pastorage of Shéepe and full of Sea Fowles Next vnto it is Afulla and great Habrera then little Habrera and néere vnto it The Horse I le and then Marta Ika These last mentioned Ilands lye all before the
entrie of Lochbrieâ—… and from them North lye Hary and Lewis 16. miles of length and 16. of bredth These 3. make an Iland which is not deuided by any Hauen 〈◊〉 Port of the Sea but by the seuerall Lordships of the heritours thereof The South part is named Haray in it sometime was the Abbey Roadilla builded by Maccleude Harâ—…is a Countrey fertill inough in Cornes and good Pastorage with a high Hill ouercouered with grasse to the very top many Shéepe are séene féeding there masterlesse pertayning peculiarly to no man for there is neyther Woolfe Foxe or Serpent séene there albeit betwixt that and Lewis there bee great Woods full of Déere In that part of the Iland is a Water well stored of Salmond and other Fishes Upon the North-side it is well manured Upon the Sea side there are foure Churches one Castle 7. great running Waters and 12. lesse all plentifull of Salmond and other Fishes The Sea enters in the Land in diuers parts making sundry salt water Loches all plentifull of Herring with abundance of Shéepe In this Countrey is great abundance of Barley In this Iland is such abundance of Whales taken as aged men report their tenth will extend to 27. Whales also a great Caue wherein the Sea at a low water abides two faddome high and at a full Sea foure faddome déepe People of all sort and ages sit vpon the Rocks thereof with hooke and line taking great multitude of all kind of Fishes Southeast from Lewis almost 60. miles there is a fertill Iland low and playne â—…alled Rona well manured the Lord of the ground limits certayne number of Households to occupy it appoynting for euery Household few or many Shéepe according to his pleasure whereon they may easily liue and pay his rent In this Iland is a Chappell dedicated to Saint Ronan wherein as aged men report there is alwayes a Spade wherewith when any is dead they find the place of his graue marked Besides other Fishes in this Iland is great plenty of Whales Sixetéene miles from Rona West lyes Suilkeraia a mile of length but in it growes no kind of Hearbe not so much as Hadder Sea Fowles lay Egges there and doe hatch They of Leogus next neighbours vnto it get great profit thereby In that Iland is séene a rare kind of Fowle vnknowne to other Countreyes called Colca little lesse then a Goose they come in the Spring time euery yéere hatch and nourish their Young ones They cast their Feathers which haue no stalke like vnto downe Now follow the Iles of Orknay of olde called The Realme of the Picts lying scattered partly in the Deucalidon Sea partly in the Germane Seas The common people to this day are very carefull to kéepe the ancient frugality of their Predecessors and in that respect they continue in good health for the most part both in mind and body so that few dye of sicknesse but all for age They haue Barley and Oates whereof they make both bread and drinke They haue sufficient â—…ore of quicke goods Neate Shéepe and Goates great plenty of Milke Chéese and Butter They haue innumerable Sea Fowles whereof and of Fish for the most part they make their common foode There is no Uenemous Beast in Orknay There is is no kind of Trée except Hadder They haue an old Cup amongst them called Saint Magnus Cup the first man that brought the Christian Religion in that Countrey There are about 33. Ilands in Orknay whereof 13. are inhabited the remnant are reserued for nourishing of Cattell The greatest Ile is named Pomona The firme land thirtie miles of length sufficiently inhabited It hath 12. Countrey Parish Churches and one Towne called Kirkwaa In this Towne there are two Towers builded not farre the one from the other One of them appertaynes to the King the other appertaynes to the Bishop Betwixt these 2. Towers stands one Church very magnifique betwixt the Church and the Towers on eyther side are sundry goodly buildings which the Inhabitants name The Kings Towne and The Bishops Towne The whole Iland runnes out in Promontories or heads the Sea running in and makes sure Hauens for ships and Harbours for Boates. In 6. sundry places of this I le there are Mynes of good Lead and Tinne as is to be found in any part of Britayne This Iland is distant from Caithnes about 24. miles diuided by the Picts Sea In this Sea are diuers Ilands scattered here and there of whom Stroma lying 4. miles from Caithnes is one very fruitfull the Earles of Caithnes being Lords thereof Northward lyes South Ranalsa 5. miles long with a commodious Hauen with 2. little Ilands or Holmes good for Pastorage Toward the North lyes Burra Suna Flata Fara Hoia and VValles In these Ilands are the highest Hilles that are in all Orknay Hoia and Walles are 10. miles of length distant from Ranalsay eyght miles and more then twentie from Dunkirke in Caithnes North is the I le Granisa and Cobesa Siapinsa turning somewhat East lyes two miles from Kirkwaa euen oueragaynst it sixe miles of length Right West from Siapinsa are Garsa and Eglisa 4. miles of length In this Iland they say Saint Magnus is buried Next and somewhat neerer the continent land is Rusa foure miles of length and thrée miles of bredth well peopled Westward lyes the Iland Broca Some Ilands lye to the North as Stronza next Linga fiue miles of length and two of bredth Haa fiue miles of length and two of bredth By East lyes Fara And North from Fara lyes Wastra running out in the Sea in Promontories or heads Aboue Stronza at the East end of Etha lyes Sanda Northward 10. miles of length and foure of bredth most fertill of Cornes of all the Iles of Orknay but it hath no kind of fire within it making exchange of Cornes for Peats Beyond Sanda lyes North Ranalsaa 2. miles of length and two of bredth Upon the South siâ—…e of Pomona lyes Rusa 6. miles of length and from it Eastward Eglisa South Veragersa and not farre from it Westraa from which Hethland is distant 80. miles and Papastronza lyes 80. miles from Hethland In the midway betwixt lyes Fara that is the â—…yre Iland standing in the sight of Orknay and Hethland both it riseth in thrée Promontories or heads and shore Craig round about without any kind of entrance except at the Southeast where it growes little lower making a sure Harboroâ—… for small Boates. Next is the greatest Ile of all Hethland named The Mayne-land 16. miles of length There are sundry Promontories or heads in it specially two one long and small which runnes North the other broader in some part 16. miles runnes Northeast inhabited vpon the Sea coast There is good Fishing in all these parts the peoples commodity standing most by the Sea Ten miles North lyes Zeall 20. miles of length and 8. miles of bredth the Bremes Marchants doe bring all wares néedfull Betwixt this
The abridgement or Summarie of the Scots Chronicles with a short description of their originall from the comming of GATHELVS their first Progenitor out of Graecia into Egypt And their comming into Portingall and Spaine and of their Kings and Gouernours in Spaine Ireland and Albion now called Scotland howbeit the whole number are not extant with a true Chronologie of all their KINGS Their Reignes Deaths and Burials from FERGVSIVS the first King of Scotland vntill his Royall MAIESTIE now happily Raigning ouer all Great Brittaine and Ireland and all the Isles to them appertaining With a true description and diuision of the whole Realme of Scotland and of the principall Cities Townes Abbies Fortes Castles Towers and Riuers and of the commodities in euery part thereof and of the Isles in generall with a memoriall of the most rare and wonderfull things in SCOTLAND By IOHN MONIPENNIE Printed at Brittaines Bursse by Iohn Budge 1614. To the most High and Mightie Monarch IAMES by the grace of God King of Great Britane France and Ireland defender of the faith c. IT May be by many iustly most gracious Soueraigne imputed to me for no small presumption to present to your Royall Maiestie a Prince of so great learning and excellent iudgement these simple fruits of my vnskilfull endeuours taken in this short abridgement In most humble and obedient manner I do preferre vnto your Highnesse these my weake and vnlearned labours according to my ability which how vnworthy they be of so great a princely fauour as wel for the meannesse of me the writer as for the plainnesse and rudenesse of the stile yet if for the worthinesse of the matter and of your Maiesties great accustomed clemency vouchsafe then your Highnesse fauourable regard they shall be as fortunate as if they had beene composed by greater more learned men wherein briefly â—…ay be seene the great and infinite mercy of God towards your royall person that it hath pleased his superexcellent wisedome by his mighty power to preserue your Highnesse ancient Kingdome of Scotland vnconquered vnder the Empire and gouernment of one hundreth and sixe Kings your Maiesties royall progenitors and in speciall when almost the whole world was brought vnder the Romane Empire by the sword Also to reduce in one peaceable Monarch these ancient mighty landes many Ilands which haue bene diuided in many seuerall Kingdomes one of Britons seuen of Saxons one of Scots one of Pictes one of Orkenay and sixe of Ireland also some of the valiant and illustre noble actes of your Highnesse most royall and ancient progenitors and of their raignes liues deathes and burials Accept them most mightie Monarch I most humbly beseech your royall Maiesty in your Highnesse gracious protection and according to my bounden dutie incessantly with all humility I will pray the great God of all might and power to his eternall glory long to preserue your Royall Maiestie and your gracious Queene in blessed health and peace to raigne ouer these your Highnesse great vnited Kingdomes and to enlarge the same and your Maiesties most royall and hopefull posterity to the worlds end Your Maiesties most humble and obedient Subiect IOHN MONIPENNY THE ABRIDGMENT OR SVMMARY OF the Scots CHONICLE WITH A SHORT DESCRIPTION of their originall from the comming of GATHELVS their Progenitour out of Graecia into Egypt and of their Kings and Gouernours in Spaine Ireland and Albion howbeit the whole number are not extant with a true Chronologie of all their Kings lineally descended from FERGVSIVS the first King of Scotland vnto his sacred Maiestie now happily reigning ouer all Great Britaine Ireland and all the Isles to them appertaining GATHELVS son of CECROPS King of ATHENS by his insolence made many inuasions in Macedonia and Achaia in Graecia And because he could not suffer correction he with many valiant Grecians came into Egypt followed Pharao in his warres against the Aethiopians who with great cruelty had wasted the most part of Egypt vnto Memphis the principall citie of that Realme Pharao with support of Gathelus vanquished and ouercame the Aethiopians in a most dangerous battell And Gathelus valiantly vanquished and wanne their principall citie called Meroe After this great victory he being a lusty person strong of body and of a great spirit wan great fauour with the King and his familiars that the Kings daughter SCOTA was giuen in marriage vnto Gathelus with many lands Shortly after Pharao died and another Pharao succeeded who opprest the Israelites with great seruitude and tyranny Gathelus abhorring such cruelty conferring with MOYSES also hauing respons of the Oracles of Egypt was foreseene of the plagues to come vpon Egypt made prouision for all things necessary for sayling and tooke shipping with his wife Scota his valiant Grecians and many Egyptians from the riuer Nilus the yeare of the world 2453. After long sayling and trauell he arriued at the land of Numidia being stopped to land he pulled vp sailes and with dangerous and painfull passage through the Straites he landed in one part of Spaine then called Lusiâ—…nia by his arriuall called Portgathel now Portingall at his landing the olde inhabitants came against him with arrayed battell whom he vanquished He builded one Citie vpon the riuer Munda then called Brachare now called Barsolona Then after he came into the North part of Spaine now called Galâ—…ia where he builded a citie called Brigance now Compostella where he reigned with Princely dignity and instituted lawes and named his people Scottes after his wife Scota for she had born vnto him two sonnes twinnes HIBER and HEMICVS He brought with him from Egypt the marble fatall chaire which was transported to Ireland and to Albion now called Scotland wherein all their Kings were crowned vntil the time of King Edward the first who transported the whole ancient regall monuments of Scotland with the marble fatall chaire to Westminster where it remaineth to this day The Scots shall brooke that Realme as natiue ground If words faile not where euer this chaire is found Gathelus sitting in his marble chaire within this citie of Brigance gouerned his people with Princelydignity peaceably and instituted lawes And seeing his people encrease with such great multitude and not willing to violate the bande made with the old inhabitants being informed by diuers expert explorators that there was an Isle opposite to Spaine on the North with a rude people inhabited hauing no lawes nor manners Therefore he brought all the shippes he could get with expedition to the next Sea port with sufficient prouision with Hiber and Hemicus accompanied with valiant warriours and ordeyned Hiber to be Admirall to passe the said Isle which they obeyed hoisting sayles with fortunate windes arriued the fift day after in the said Island Immediately landing their people then pitched their Tents on the next trenches The rude inhabitants amazed at the arriuing and landing of such a multitude of warriours fledde with their cattell and goods into their Cauernes Hiber commaunding
certaine of his warriours to passe forth and if the inhabitants would bee willingly subdued no slaughter to be committed vpon them The inhabitants being brought as prisoners to the Admirall and seeing him mercifull rendred themselues and their goods and he receiued them with such beneuolence that he suffered the olde inhabitants to encrease with his people vnder one name and lawe and called the land Hibernia now Ireland Hiber returning into Spaine left his brother Himecus with a strong garrison of valiant warriours with wiues and children to inhabite the land and to holde the same vnder obedience and subiection At his returne into Spain his father being deceased he succeeded King and augmented his Empire and conquered sundry lands from the Spaniards hauing with him at all times a strong guard of valiant men By his puissance and châ—…alrie he subdued the people in such manner that he was holden in great estimation and reuerence that they were constrayned to seeke his peace the land being named after Hiber Hiberia the Scots and olde inhabitants grew vnder one name and bloud with such tender and friendly beneuolence not remembring of old iniuries each one willing to defend his neighbour as well in peace as warres as his brother or father Of Hiber descended by long progression a great posterity lineally succeeding amongst whom were many noble and famous Kings howbeit the whole number of them are not extant HIMECVS gouerned Ireland in great felicity iustice and tranquility both the Scots and the olde inhabitants during his life time Immediatly after his decease arose an odious controuersie betweene the Scottes and the olde inhabitants for the gouernement euery nation contending to haue a gouernour of their owne blood which contention enduring long time at last they created two Gouernors betweene whom was continuall battels and great slaughter on eyther side through ambition and burning desire to be sole Gouernor of all Ireland After long and dangerous battels the two people broken with sundry displeasures were constrained to take peace howbeit the same endured but a short time each one of them pursuing other with battell and yet they dwelt many yeares together by enterchange of peace and warres while at the last the Scots suffering many iniuries sent their Embassador to METELLIVS who was then King of the Scottes in Spaine desiring to haue support against the old inhabitants of Ireland declaring them to be a rude wilde people impatient to suffer any Empire aboue them So that the Scots can haue no tranquility vnlesse the said people were the more speedily tamed and subdued This foresaid message was the more acceptable to the King Metellius for it concerned the Common-wealth both of the Scots nation in Spaine and Ireland descending by long progression of our lineage and blood and willingly satisfying the aforesaid Ambassadours request trusting the same to be no lesse honour and glory to himselfe as profite to his friends Therefore the King sent his three sonnes HERMONEVS PTOLOMEVS and HIBERT with a great Armie of valiant men into Ireland where they with right dangerous battels vanquished the olde inhabitants and brought them vnder subiection Hermonens returning into Spaine left his two brethren to gouerne the land who gouerned the same long time after in great tranquility and iustice insâ—…ituting lawes and instructed the Priests to make insence and sacrifice in the same manner as the Egyptians vsed so both the people encreased many yeares in great felicity peace and riches during the Gouernement of Ptolomeus and Hibert and long after their decease But too great prosperity engendreth euill maners and causeth men to worke often displeasures vpon themselues finding no forraigne enemies to inuade them at home The people after long peace were diuided for the gouernement contending for the same with great rigour and slaughter on both sides vntill the one had almost vtterly destroyed the other if they had not been reconciled by a noble man named Thanaus principall Ambassadour sent by the King then raigning ouer the Scots in Spaine reioycing of the felicity succeeding to his friends and to cause them by his prudent consultation to encrease together vnder one minde Thanaus being a prudent man bearing nuturall affection to both the parties perswading them at sundry conuentions to remoue all contention and to elect one whom they thought most expedient to be their King and to be obedient to him in all their gouernment Through this perswasion the whole people had such feruent desire to haue one King that all olde iniuries being forgotten they appointed Thanaus to elect a King whom he thought most expedient and hee seeing their mindes willing to haue a nuturall King declaring to them that there is in Spaine a noble Prince of great seuerity and iustice named SIMON BREK well accustomed with your lawes and lineally descended from the ancient King Metellius whom he thought most fittest to be their King The whole people hearing the name of SIMON BREK were well content to haue him their King because that name was esteemed very fortunate in those dayes Then after with consent of the whole people Ambassadours were sent into Spaine to request the said Simon to come into Ireland to be their King Hee knowing by graue aduisement the intent of the Ambassadours prouidâ—…d a great Fleete of Ships with all things necessary and finally by prosperous windes arriued in Ireland where hee was solemnly receiued and crowned in the chaire of Marble which he brought out of Spaine esteemed as a most rich jewel in those dayes from the beginning of the world 3314. From the floud of Noah 1658. From the building of Rome 102. Before the birth of Christ 651. He reigned with great felicity peaceably forty yeares being specially counsailed by the aforesaid Thanaus to whom he gaue sundry lands lying in the South part of Ireland beside the riuer Birsus which lands are now called Dowdall where hee dwelt with the people he brought with him out of the famous citie Brigance now called Compostella They were called Brigandes of whom after by processe of time descended many valiant and noble men who came with Fergusius the first King in Scotland by whom al the lands now called Galloway were then called Brigance whose inhabitants were euer full of manhood and strongest enemies against Romanes Britaines and Pickes Simon deceased his sonne FANDVF succeeded King after Fanduf succeeded ETHION after Ethion succeeded GLAVCVS after Glaucus succeeded NATHASIL after Nathasil succeeded Rothesay ROTHESAY was the first King that brought Scots with him into Albion The first Isle that he inhabited he called after his owne name Rothesay the remanent Isles were called Hebredes after Hiber the eldest sonne of Gathelus Rothesay hearing the death of his father Nathasil returned into Ireland and was there crowned King The yeare that Scots were brought out of Ireland into Albion was from the Empire of Simon Brek in Ireland 216. yeares from the beginning of the world 3530. The Scots spread in sundry parts of Albion lying farre North
damage of his people The Picts assembled an army wich many Britaines concurring to their support appear'd on eyther side a wicked vnnatural battel between two confederate people friends fathers and sonnes The Pictes came first iâ—…o the Scots lands against whom with no lesse courage then manhood the King with his valiant Scots with auncient armes displayed in forme of a Banner in which was a â—…dde Lion Rampant in a fielde of golde whilst the Scots and Pictes were in array in each others fight the armie of Britaines stood in array also deuising what way they might destroy them both with fâ—…me purpose when the Scots and Pcties were vanquished the one by the other that the party victorious should vtterly bee destroyed by their fresh army and when both these peoples were destroyed by this fleight the Britaines might enioy both their Realmes in Albion without any impediment This subtill sleight was discoured to King Fergusius by a banished Britaine through which both the armies moued no lesse by feare of enemies then by their own proper damage prolonged the battell certaine dayes King Fergusius desiring communication with the King of Picts who willingly with some of his Nobles had communication a long time together after long conference and deliberate consultation with their Counsellors on both parties and ruefull crying of the Pictes wiues being the Scottes daughters peace was finally concluded betweene the two confederate people vnder these conditions redresse of all iniuries being made on all parties The Britaines mouers of this battaile shall be reputed enemies to them both all other charges to be at the pleasure and will of the two Kings And when any enemy occurred that they and their people should conioine together vnder one minde and ordinance This peace being more strongly corroborate the Kings returned home King Fergusius in a most dangerous battell assisted by the Pictes vanquished the Britains which time King Coyl or Chimarus vnwatily kept by his Nobles was killed in the land after his name then called Coyll now Kyle in Scotland After this victory the King called his whole Nobles and Subiects to a general conuention and hee making a large and plausible Oration and speech the Nobles and Subiects condiscended and agreed that King Fergusius and his posterity should possesse the Crowne of Scotland whereupon Charters and Euidences were graunted to him and his sucessors for euer The Kingdome of Scotland being confirmed to King Fergusius his heyres and successors with deliberate counsell of his Nobles he diuided the whole lands then inhabited by the Scots amongst his Nobles and Captaines of the Tribes by lots or cauils The first lot chanced or fell vnto Cornath Captaine and his Tribe the land of Caithnes lying ouer against Orkeney betweene Dum misbye and the riuer of Thane Secondly to Captaine Lutorke the landes betweene the water of Thane Nesse now called ROS This Lutorke came with a band of valiantmen out of Ireland with King Fergusius into Albion This land of Ros lyeth in breadth from Cromarte to the water of Lochtie In this countrey was the famous Castle of Vrquhart of which the ruinous walles remaine in great admiration Thirdly to Captaine Warroth the lands lying betweene Spey and Neffe from the Almaine to the Irish Seas the people inhabitants of this part after their Captaine were called Wars being seditious they were expelled and the Murrayes possessed that land and called the same land Murray land Fourthly to Captaine Thalis the lands of Boyne Aynie Bogewall Gariot Formartyn and Bowquhan These landes were then called vnder one name Thalia by the name of their Captaine Fiftly to Captaine Martach all the lands of Marre Badzenoth and Loth Quhabar The sixth to Captaine Nouance the landes of Lorne and Kyntier with the high places and mountaines thereof lying from Marre to the Irish Seas The seauenth to Atholus the lands of Athole for he was descended of the Scots of Spain and came out of Spaine into Ireland and with Fergusius he came into Scotland The eight to Creones and Epidithes two Captaines of the Tribes the lands of Strabrawne and Braidawane lying West from Dunkeld The ninth to Captaine Argathelus the lands of Ardgile his people were named Argatheles from Gathelus their first progenitour but now they are called men of Ardgile The tenth to Captaine Lolgonas the lands of Leuenox and Cliddisdale The eleuenth to Captaine Silurch the lands of Siluria which Region is now diuided into Kyle Carrike and Cunningham the inhabitants were right ingenuous and strong The twelfth to the Brigandes the lands of Brigance now called Golloway King Fergusius after the diuiding of these lands he instituted lawes to represse vice he builded the Castle of Berigone in Longhquhaber He past the remanent of his dayes in good peace with the Britaines and Pictes At the last he was elected as Iudge arbitrall to discerne vpon certaine high Controuersies chancing amongst his friends in Ireland He accompanied with certaine of his Nobles past into Ireland and pacified them of all matters returning home by a very dangerous tempest perished with all his Nobles that were in his company vpon a rocke in the Sea called after his name Craigfergus the fiue and twentieth yeare of his raigne In his raigne was Morindus King of Britaines and Cruthneus Camelon King of Pictes who builded vpon the water of Carron the Citie of Camelon the principall and strongest Citie of the Pictes which resisted the Romanes and Britaines vntill that Kenneth King of Scotland who exiled the Pictes out of Albion brought it vnto vtter subuersion This Cruthneus Camelon builded also the towne and Castle of Edinburgh sometime called the mayden Castle for all the noble young women of the Pictes were nourished and learned in all skilfull labour of their hands vntill they were ready to marry Fergusius departing this present life as aforesaid a conuention was holden by the Nobles for election of a King After a long disputation and reasoning it was concluded by plaine consent of Parliament and enacted when it hapned their King to decease and hauing heyres gotten of his body being children the neerest of the Kings bloud and fittest to doe iustice shall possesse the Crowne for his time after his death the Kings sonne shall succeed to the crown without impediment if he were able thereto by the same acte it was prohibited children to be Kings This custome endured long time which raised much discord in this Realme of Scotland for the fathers brother raigning in the minority of his Nephew cast his chiefest busines to destroy him and likewise the Nephew to the fathers brother for ambition of the Crowne through which occurreth continuall killing of Kings and Nobles to the great damage of the Realme and Common wealth 2 FEZITHARIS brother to Fergusius by the aforesaid act began his raigne the yeare of the world 3666. before the comming of Christ 305. yeares from the beginning of the raigne of Scotland 26. yeares he was a good King and seuere Iusticer and was
Icolmkill in perpetuall memory The Citie of Camelon after long assault was vtterly destroyed and the Pictes men wiues and children killed after they had raigned in Albion 1181. yeares King Kenneth instituted many good lawes and brought the fatall chaire from Ardgiel to Scone adding the Realme of Pictes to his Dominion This victorious King died the twentieth yeare of his raigne buried in Icolmkill 70 DONALDVS quintus Kennethus brother began his raigne in the yeare of the world 4824. in the yeare of Christ 854. after the raigne 1184. a vitious odious King his people made effeminate by his vices and sensuall pleasures his Nobles admonishing him to reforme his euill life he continuing still without reformation The Pictes that were fugitiue amongst the Englishmen requesting Osbraed and Ella two great Princes of England to moue warres against the Scots these two Princes with Englishmen Britaines and Pictes came into the warres where King Donaldus vanquished them in a great battell at Iedbrugh Donald right insolent after this victory came to the water of Tweed with his Armie and finding two ships laden with wines and victuals which were taken and parted amongst his warriours King Donald was giuen to such voracity and lust of his wombe the whole Campe vsing the same and being ful of Tauernes Brothels and whores followed dicing and carding with contention and killing one another King Osbraed being aduertised hereof preparing a new armie came suddenly on the Scots and killed twenty thousand being without armour full of wine and sleepe And King Donald was taken in manner aforesaid and ledde through the countrey in derision to all people At which time King Osbraed conquered great landes in Scotland assisted by Britaines so that Striuiling bridge was made marches to Scots Britaines and Englishmen King Osbred coined money in the Castle of Striuiling by whom the Striuiling money had first beginning King Donald being ransomed returned into Scotland continuing in his vitious and abhominable life He was taken by his Nobles and imprisoned where hee desperately killed himselfe the fift yeare of his raigne buried in Icolmkill 71 CONSTANTINVS secundus Kennethus sonne began his raigne in the yeare of the world 4829. the yeare of Christ 859. after the raigne 1189. a valiant King hee married the Prince of Wales his daughter she bare to him two sonnes and one daughter Hee instituted sundry good lawes for Churchmen and repressed all vitious vices engendred amongst his subiects by Donald the â—…yrant his predecessor in whose time Hungar and Hubba with a great Fleete of Danes landing in Fiffe vsed great cruelty a great number of religious persons being fugitiue in the Isle of Maye with Adrian their Bishop were all cruelly tormented and killed by the vnmercifull Danes Constantine came with a great armie against Hubba and vanquished him The Scots being proude of this victory and neglecting themselues there followed a cruell and desperate battell at last the Scots were vanquished and King Constantine with his Nobles and ten thousand of his armie killed in the fifteenth yeare of his raigne buried in Icolmkill 72 ETHVS surnamed the Swift Constantinus secundus fonne began his raigne the yeare of the world 4844. the yeare of Christ 874. after the raigne 1204. a luxurious Prince taken by his Nobles and imprisoned where he died the third day of melancholy the second yeare of his raigne and buried in Icolmkill 73 GREGORIVS magnus Dongallus sonne began his raign in the yeare of the world 4846. the year of Christ 876. after the beginning of the raign of Scotland 1206. He was but two moneths olde when his father perished in the water of Spey a valiant and greatly renowned Prince in â—…ll parts he instituted good lawes for his subiects and being very religious ordeyned good lawes for Churches and Churchmen and that all Kings his successors at their coronation should make their oath to defend the Christian Religion He obtained great victory against Danes and Britains and recouering all his lands lost in King Donalds time enlarged his bounds with Northumberland Cumber and Westmerland and being confederate with Alurede King of England the foresaid lands to remaine perpetually to be possessed by the Scots Then after the King to represse Irishmen that were come into Scotland who had robbed the people and made sundry incursions he followed with a great armie and landing in Ireland vanquished Brennius and Cornelius two Princes of Ireland with the whole Nobles of Ireland and vanquâ—…shed sundry townes and besieged Dublin with a strong siege where their young Prince Duncane was to whom the Crowne of Ireland appertained at last the Towne was rendred and the King made Protector during the Princes minority with all the fortes and threescore pledges The King returning with his victorious armie and the pledges of the Nobles of Ireland and holding good peace the rest of his dayes he died in peace the eighteenth yeare of his raigne buried in Icolmkill he builded thecitie of Aberdene 74 DONALDVS sixtus sonne to Constantinus secundus began his raigne in the yeare of the world 4864. in the yeare of Christ 894. after the raigne 1234. a valiant Prince and godly he punished with great seuerity the blasphemers of the name of God he married the King of Britains daughter she bare to him one sonne and a daughter At this time ROVVLAND King of Denmarke gathered or conuened a great multitude of Danes out of England Norway Swedâ—…icke and Denmarke and pastthrough Fraunce committing great cruelty vpon the people there And because CHARLES the great then Emperour was implicat with frequent warres in Italy against the Sarazens The Danes raged with such open cruelty that great bonds of France appeared to come vnder their Dominion Emperour Charles after his returne from Italy came with a great armie to resist the Danes and they nothing affraid went forward to meete him in their awfull manner The Princes of Fraunce knowing the great ferocity of the Danes proued and exercised in all partes where they were assayled and seeing them by frequent victory so insolent that but by great slaughter they might not be vanquished perswaded the Emperour Charles to make peace with the said Rowland that their Realme should not be in ieopardy or put to extreme danger through the wers both in Italy and Fraunce Peace was corroborate and contracted with the Danes on this manner The Emperour Charles his daughter shall be giuen in marriage to Rowland and hee with all the Danes shall receiue the Christian faith and in the name of Dowry shall haue all the landes which were named Newstria lying betwixt Deip Picardy Paris and Bartany These landes were then after Rowland called Normandy Rowland made King of Normandy by receipt of Baptisme was named Robert and ordayned to pay for the said lands one yearely tribute to the aforesaid Charles and his posterity to signifie that the said landes were not conquered but onely giuen from the Crowne of Fraunce in marriage The yeare that the Normans began to raigne
is in length threescore miles vpon Lochfyne is situate the Castle Palace and towne of Inraray the principall residence of the Earle of Argyle Also doth the Sheriffe of Argyle keepe his Courts of Iustice this Loch is most plentifull of Herings and all other fishes On this Loch are situate diuers Castles and Gentlemens places as Castle Lauchlane the Otter and Dunetrewne in Knapdall is Loghaw and therein a little Ile where there is a strong Castle of the same name there is also the Castle of Tarbat In Argyle is the strong Castle of Carriek builded vpon a rocke within Loch goyle there is also the Colledge of Kilmun the water of Awe runneth out of Loch-how and is the onely water of all that countrey that doe run in the Dewcalidon Sea South and by VVest from Knapdall lieth Kantere The head land of the countrey right ouer against Ireland deuided by the sea of the breath of sixteen miles onely In Kantere is the Castles of Dunauerty and Sadell the towne and Castle of Kilkerraine situate in the Loch of the same name Kantere is more long then broad ioyning to Knapdal by so narrow a throat about one mile of breadth which ground is sandy and lieth so plaine and low that Marriners drawing along their vessels as gallies and boats through it makes their iourney a great deale shorter then to passe about Kintire which is the common passage Lorne lies next Contaygne with Argyla on the backe thereof where standeth the most ancient Castle of Dunestaffage in which were the Kinges of Scotland in old times crowned where also the Marble fatall Chaire remained more then one thousand yeares In Lorne are also the Castles of Carnacery and that of Makdules built vpon a right rockie mountaine The countrie of Argyle Knapdall Cowell do abound of bestiall kye sheepe and great store of venison and abundant in fishes Lorne marcheth still with Argyle vntill it come to Haber or rather Loch-haber A plaine countrey not vnfruitfull The countrey where the hilles of Grangebean are most easie to be trauelled named broad Alben that is to say the highest part of Scotland And the highest part ◅of broad-Albin is called Drumalbin that is the backe of Scotland so termed For forth of the backe waters doe run in both the seas Some to the North and some South Habre or rather Lochaber marcheth with Badzenoch which hath as it were a backe running out through the midst of it which spouts forth waters in both the seas Lochaber marching with Badzenoch tending by little and little towards the Deucalidon sea a country aboundant in cornes and great plenty of fishes for besides the abundance of fresh water fishes produced by a great number ot waters the Sea runnes within the countrey in a long channell and being narrow at the mouth the water kept in betwixt two high bankes and spreading wide inward makes the forme of a Stanke or rather of a Loch a place where ships may lie sure as in a hauen adiacent with Calkmananshire lies Fyffe beginning at the towne of Torre-burne with the castles of Torre Cromby Pickfirran Pictincreiff the towne of Dumfermling and Abbey thereof founded by King Dauid the first the Kings of Scotland were buried there a long time the Pallace therof now repaired by the Queenes Maiesties cōmand charges where the Earle of Dumfermling Chancellor of Scotland hath his residence The towne of Lymkellis with the castle of Rossynh the towne of the Queens ferry vpon the North. In the middle of Forth vpon a rocke is the fortresse decayed castle of Inchgaruy By East lies in the same water Saint Colmis Inch with a demolished Abbey abundant with conies and good pasturing for sheepe Next in the mid Firth lies Inchkeith with a demolished Fortresse fertile of conies and good for pasturing of sheepe East from Inchkeith within Forth lies a very high and big Rocke inuironed with the Sea called the Basse inuincible hauing vpon the top a fresh spring where the Solane geese repaires much and are very profitable to the owner of the said strength Next the Basse in the mouth of Forth lies the I le of May a mile long and three quarters of a mile in breadth there was a religious house with many fresh water springs with a fresh Loch abundant with Eeles This I le is a goodly refuge for saylers in time of tempest By East the I le of May twelue miles from all land in the German seas lies a great hidden rocke called Inchcape very dangerous for nauigators because it is ouerflowed euery tide It is reported in old times vpon the said rocke there was a Bel fixed vpon a tree or timber which rang continually being moued by the Sea giuing notice to the saylers of the danger This Bell or Clocke was put there and maintained by the Abbot of Aber-brothok and being taken downe by a Sea Pirote who a yeare thereafter perished vpon the same rocke with ship and goods in the righteous iudgement of God Returning to the ancient towne of Innerkething adioyning thereto is the most comfortable and safe refuge for saylers in time of storme called Saint Margarets hope The castles of Dunnybirsill Dalgatie and Fordell the towne and castel of Aberdour the Loch of Cowstoun the castell of Orterstoun the towne of Brunt-Iland with the castle the castels of Balmuto Balwery Hal-randes and Raith The towne and castell of Kingrne the castles of Seyfield and Abbots-hall the towne of Kirkealdy the castles of Bogy Rauens-houch the Lord Sinclairis speciall residence towne of Dysart the towne of VVesterwemis and the castle the castle of Easterwemis the Lord Colweil chiefe residence the townes of Buckhauen and Lewynis mouth so named from the riuer of Lewin out which comes of Loch-Lewin the towne of Kenneway the castles of Dury Lundy and Largow with the towne thereof the castles of Rires Bulchares and Kinnochar with the Loch thereof the towne of Earles ferry the castles of Kelly and Ardrosse towne of Eliot The towne and castles of Saint Monanes Carnbie and Balkaskie the towne and Abbey of Pictonweme the Lord of Pictonwemes residence the townes of Anstruther with the castle the castles of Bofy Pitterthy the townes of Innergelly and Siluer-dikes the castles of Erdry third part West-Berns the towne of Craile with the Prouestry and demolished castle the castles and towres of Balcomy Wormestoun Randerstoun Newhall Camno Kipper Pitmille Kinkell Strawithy Lamberletham Lachochar The Citie of Sanctandros the Metropolitane and Archbishops Seat with a strong Castle and Abbey decored with three Vniuersities for learning in all sciences In old time the Churches in this Citie most curionsly and sumptuously builded and now decayed from this Citie West vpon the water of Eddin lies the Castles of Nydy Rumgary Dairsey Blebo The towne of Cowper the chiefe Iustice seate the Castle of Corstoun the Castle of Struther the Lord Lendsayes principall residence the Castles of Inglishtarwet Craighall Bruntoun Balgony the towne of Merkinsche the towne of
and all sort of fishes and all other necessaries for the sustentation of man and Athole abounds in all kind of wild beasts and fowles with wild horses Next adiacent to Gowry lies Angusse beginning at the bridge of Innergowry with the Castle of Fowles the Lord Grayes residence the Castles of Balfour Lundy and Dinnun The towne of Kethens the towne and Abbey of Copar the Castle of Newtyle the towne and Castle of Glammis the Lord Glammis speciall residence The towne of Killy-mure the Castles and Towers of Lowry Brigtoun Thorntoun Innerrichtie Kilkaudrum and Quich Clouoy with parks and woods Innerquharitie and Quich Glen-Ilay Wain Dysart Rossie the Castle of Fyn-heauin the Earle of Crawfurds speciall residence The Castles and Towers of Melgund Flemyngtoun Woodwre Bannabreich old Bar with the Parke Carrestoun and Balhall the Citie and Castle of Brechin the Bishops residence The Castles and Towers of Dun Craig Edzell Balzordy and Newtoun The towne or brugh of Dunde strongly builded with stone houses right populous and industrious with good shipping and a commodious hauen a pleasant Church with a right high stone steeple the castles of Duddope and Autherhouse the Earle of Buquhans special residence The Castles towers of Strickmartin Clawers Mayns wester Ogyll Ballumby and Claypottes the strong fortresse Castle of Bruchty vpon a rocke inuironed with the Sea The townes of north Ferrey and Monyfuth the Castles and townes of Auchinleck Easter and Wester Powreis Glen Drumkilbo and Teling The towne of Forfarre with a demolished Castle with a Loch and an I le therein with a Tower Cassie Logymegle Barnzstaird Innerkelour the demolished Abbey of Resenneth with a Loch and the Loch of Reskobow the Castles and Towers of Woodend Balmeshannoch Hakerstoun Balmady with a Loch Balgayis demolished the Castles and Towers of Turings Carsegowny Guthrie Garne Fernell and Boshane The Lord Ogilbies speciall residence the townes of Barre and Panbryde the Castles of Duniken Pammure and Kelly the towne and ancient Abbey of Abirtrothok with the Castle the Castle of Lethame and Ethy where a Falcon engendes yearely vpon a high rocke past memorie of man The Castles and Towers of Enblackmond Callistoun Bisack Ardbeky and the red Castle the Castles and Towers of Dunnenald Vsum Craig Bonytoun and Kinnarde The ancient towne of Mont-Rosse with a commodious harbery for shipping and well shipped this towne is all builded with stone and populous aboundant with all kinde of fishes the towne and Castle of olde Mount-Rosse and the Castle of Westerbracky The riuers in Anglusse are the water of Innergowery deuiding Gowry from Angusse The riuers of Dichty Carbat Ila Brothat Lunnen North and South Askis This countrey of Angusse is plentifull and abundant in all kinde of cornes great store of bestiall with all sort of fishes withall other commodities necessary for man Next adiacent to Angus is the Mernis where are the townes Kincardin Fordoun Beruy Cowey and Stanehyue Galguein with the Castles of Halgrein and Lowristoun the most strong Castle of Dunotter with many pleasant buildings within the same situate vpon a Rocke inuironed with the Ocean sea and well furnished with Ordinance and all warlike prouision for defence the Earle Martiall his residence with the Castle Fatteresso there is also the Castles of Glenberuy Puttarrow Arbuthnet Thornntoun Balbegenat Hakertoun Morphie Benholme Allardes and Maters This countrey is plentious of Beere and wheat abounding in bestiall and fishes The Barrons and Gentlemen deteste contention in law remitting and submitting alwaies their actions debatable to amicable arbitrements among themselues North from the Mernis is the mouth of the water of Dee where is situate the ancient burgh and merchant towne of Abirdene wel builded renowned for the Salmond-fishing thereof well shipped it hath a florishing Vniueruersitie for instruction of the youth a pleasant bridge builded of stones at the mouth of the riuer Done is situate the old Citie of Aberdone which is the Bishops seate where also is a goodly Colledge for learning in sciences specially in Philosophy Betweene Dee and Done beginneth the countrey of Mar growing alwaies wider and wider till it be threescore miles length and comes to Badezenoch In Mar is the towne of Kinkardin of Neil the Castles of Drum Leyes Skein Monimusk Halforrest the towne of Kyntor the Castles of Abirgeldy Lenturke Corsse Aslun Kyndrymme Innerbuchat Cluny Corsinda Muchall Cragywar Torry and Cowgarth Klenkindy Buchholly and New Lochaber Badzenoch and Mar comprehends the breadth of Scotland betweene the two Seas Next Mar vpon the North lies the Gareoch wherein is the towne of Innerwry The Castles of Balquhan Fethernere Caskybane Auchenhuiff Meldrum Pitcaple Pittodrie Harthill not farre distant is the most high mountaine of Bannachy the highest mountaine in the North for saylers comming from the Easter seas takes vp land first by this mountaine The Castles of Lesly and Wardens the ancient Castle of Dinnedure vpon a high mountaine called the Golden Mountaine by reason of the sheepe that pastures thereupon Their teeth are so extraordinary yealow as if they were coloured with gold there is also the Castle of Drumminor the Lord Forbes residence Next Gareoch vpon the North-East lies Bucquhan wherein is situate the towne of Newburgh vpon the water of Itham aboundant in Salmond and other fishes the townes of Peterhead and Frisselburgh the Castles of Fophern Asselmond Arnage Tochone Kelly Straloch Vdney vpon the North-East side therof there is a rocke where are found sundry well coloured stones of diuers hewes very pleasant some quadrant pointed and transparant resembling much the orientall Diamond for they are proued to be better then eyther the Virginean or the Bohemian Diamond The time of the comming of Hengistus in Britaine there came with him one Noble Germane Prince called Woden about the yeare of Christ 477. as writeth Pomarius who adioyning their forces with Vortiger then King of the Britaine against the Scots and Picts continuing in their fury were called Vodenay conforme to the old Saxon language as writeth Olaus magnus Beda and Vliterpius of whom by long progression and abbreuiation of speech is descended the ancient name of Vdny There are also the Castles of Pitmedden Hadde Gicht Fywie the ancient Castle of Slanes watterton Enderrugy with the strong Castle of the Craig of Enderrugy The Castles of Fillorth Pitsligo Feddreth Towy Balquhaly Dalgatie the tower of Torrey and the Castle of Mures This countrey stretches farthest in the Germane seas of all the countries of Scotland fertile in store and cornes And in it selfe sufficient in all other commodities necessary for the countrey there is abundance of Salmon and other fishes taken in all the waters thereof except the water of Rattry whereunto this day there was neuer any Salmon seene Next Buehquhan vpon the North lies Boyne and Enze in Boyne In Boyne is the towne of Bamst and Castle thereof situate vpon the riuer of Diuern there is also the Castles of Boyne Findetar and Bogygieht with the towne
of Culane situate vpon the sea coast Next lies the lands of Straithbogy where is the Castle and Pallace of Straithbogy the speciall residence of the Marquesse of Huntley the Castles of Fendrough Pitlurge Carnbarrow Rothemay the Lord Saltouns chiefe residence Kinnardi Crombie Achindore Lesmore Balwany Blarsindy Drymmyn Dusky Ballindalloch Balla Castle and Aikenway these foresaid countries are plenteous in cornes bestiall and in fishings Next vpon the North is the water Spey abundant in Salmond and all new fishes Endlong Spey lies murrey-Murrey-Land wherein is situate the Citie of Elgyn vpon the water of Lossy the Bishop of Murreyes seat and speciall residence with a Church most curiously and sumptuously builded which now in part decayes In Murrey are many strong Castles other strong houses as the Castles of Blairy Monynesse the ancient strong Castle of Vrquhart the Castles of Spynay with a pleasant Loch abounding in fishes the Castles of Innes and Duffus the Castle and towne of Forres the great Castle of Tornuaye the principall residence of the Earle of Murrey The Castles of Cadall and Kilrauicke with diuers Gentlemens strong stone houses adiacent about the towne of olde Erne In Murrey are two famous Abbeyes Pluscardy and Kinlus the Castle of Louat the Lord Louats residence There is also the most ancient towne of Innernes and the strong Castles thereof situate on the water of Naes which descends from a Loch named Loch Naes thirtie foure miles in length this water of Naes is alwaies warme and neuer freezeth in such sort as in winter time yee falling into it is dissolued by the heat therof West from Lochnes there lies eight miles of continent ground And that small peece is the onely impediment that the Seas ioyne not and make the remanent of Scotland an Iland for all the land that lies betwixt the strait and the Deucalidon Sea is cutte by creekes and Loches of salt water running into the land From the mouth of Naesse where it enters in the Germane Sea North lies Rosse shooting in the Sea in great Promontories or heads The countrey of Rosse is of greater length nor breadth extending from the Germane to the Deucalidon Sea where it riseth in craggy and wilde hils and yet in the plaine fields thereof there is as great fertilitie of corne as in any other part of Scotland There is in Rosse pleasant dales with waters Loches full of fishes specially Lochbroome It is broad at the Deucalidon sea and growes narrow by little and little turning Southward from the other shore the Germane Sea winning the selfe an entrie betwixt high clintes runs within the land in a wide bosome and makes an healthfull port and sure refuge against all tempests and stormes the entrie of it is easie and within it is a very sure hauen against all iniuries of Sea and a hauen for great nauies of ships Loch-broome is abundant of Salmond and all other fishes The townes in Rosse are the City of the Channory the Bishops seat with a strong Castle the towne of Rosemarky the Castles of Read-castle Dingwall the Abbey of Bewly the castles of Cromarty Miltoun Fowlis Ballingoun the town of Tane the Castles of Catboll Torbat Loselun Kayne with many others the waters in Rosse are Cromarty the water Tane the water of Naes Also Mountains of Allabaster and hils of white marble there is many other parts in Rosse too longsome to describe Next Rosse lies Sutterland the speciall towne is D◅norch with a strong Castle the Castls of Skibow Pulrossy Skelbo Clyne Dunrobene the Earle of Sutherlands residence with goodly Orchards where growes good Saphron the riuers are Ferryhuns Brora Helmsdeaill abundant in Salmond and other fishes and good store of bestial there is also hilles of white Marble with salt and coale Next Sutherland lies Stranauern the castle of Far where the lord of Makky hath his speciall residence The Castles of Tunge this countrey Stratleigh with sundry Ilands as Ship-Iland Hyp-Iland Marten-Iland Conne-Iland are vnknown to the Author Next lies Caithnes where it marches with Stranauerne is the furthest North countrey of all Scotland and those two draw the breadth of Scotland in a narrow front In thē are three Promontories or heads the highest wherof is in Stranauern called Orcas or Taruidum the other two not so high are in Caithnes Veruedrum now named Hoya and B◅rebrum now called Dunsby at the foot of this hill there is a pretie hauen for them that trauell from Orknay by Sea there is mountains called Ordhead Hoburnhead Madēs Pape the Castle of Berydale with a riuer abundant in Salmond other fishes The Castle of Dumbeth with a goodly riuer with the towns of Wcik Thirso with Ichone a riuer The Castle of Gerniggo the Earle of Caithnes special residence The Castles of Akergile Keis Pressik old Weik Ormly Skrabstar Dunray Brawl and May Dunnethead isa hil of Marble the riuers are the riuer of Berridale Dunberth Weik Thirso Fors. This countrey is abundant in cornes bes◅all Salmond all other fishes Of the Iles of Scotland in generall NOw refleth it to speake somewhat of the Iles they are diuided which as it were Crowne Scotland in three classes or rankes the West Iles Orknay Iles Shetland Iles the west Iles lye in the Deucalidon sea from Ireland almost to Orkenay vpon the west side of Scotland they are called Hebrides and by some Aebudae They are scattered into the Deucalidon sea to the number of three hundreth and aboue Of old the kings of Scotland kept these Iles in their possession vntill the time of Donald brother to King Malcolme the third who gaue them to the King of Norway vpon condition that he should assist him in vsurping of the Kingdome of Scotland against law and reason The Danes and Norway people kept possession of them for the space of 160. yeares and then King Alexander the third ouercomming the Danes and Norway men in a great battell thrust them out of the Iles yet afterward they attempted to recouer their libertie partly trusting to their owne strength and partly mooued by seditions in the maine land of this Countrey creating Kings of themselues as not long ago Iohn of the house of Clandonald did vsurpe the name of King as others had done before In foode raiment and all things pertaining to their family they vse the ancient frugalitie of the Scots Their bankets are hunting and fishing They seeth their flesh in the tripe or else in the skinne of the beast filling the same full of water Now and then in hunting they straine out the bloud and eate the flesh raw Their drinke is the broth of sodden flesh They loue very well the drinke made of whey and kept certaine yeeres drinking the same at feasts It is named by them Blandium The most p◅rt of them drinke water Their custome is to ◅ake their bread of Oates Barly which are the onely kinds of graine that grow in those parts Experience with
Iland and the mayne-Mayne-land lye Linga Orna Bigga Sanctferri Two miles Northward lyes Vnsta more then 20. miles of length and sixe miles of bredth a pleasant Countrey and playne Via and Vra are betwixt Vnsta and Zeall Skenna and Burna lye Westward from Vnsta Balta Hunega Forlora seuen miles long and seuen miles Eastward from Vnsta Mecla with the thrée Ilands of east Skennia â—…hualsa Nostwadâ—… Brasa and Musa vpon the West side lye West Scheâ—…niae Rorira little Papa Veneda great Papa Valla Trondar Burra great Haura little Haura and many other Holmes lying scattered amongst them The Hethlandish men vse the same kind of foode that the Orkney man vse but that they are more scarce in house kéeping In this Iland no kind of Shée Beast will liue 24. houres together except Ky Ewes Conyes and such like beasts as may be eaten The people are apparelled after the Almayne faâ—…ion and according to their substance not vnséemely Their commodity consisteth in course Cloth which they sell to Norway men with Fish Oyle and Butter They fish in little Cockboates bought from Norway men that make them they salt some of the Fish that they take and some of them they dry in the wind They sell thâ—…se Wares and pay their Masters with the siluer thereof ¶ Of the great plenty of Hares Red Deere and other wild Beasts in Scotland Of the strange propertyes of sundry Scottish Dogges And of the nature of Salmond HAuing made this speciall description of the Realme of Scotland Now touching some things concerning the same in generall In the Fields and in al places of the Countrey except the parts where continuall habitation of people makes impediment there is great abundance of Hares Red Déere Fallow Déere Roes Wild Horses Wolues and Foxes specially in the High Countreys of Athole Argyle Lorne Loch-aber Marre and Badzenoch where is sundry times séene 1500. Red Déere being hunted all together These Wild Horses are not gotten but by great sleight policy for in the Winter season the Inhabitants turne certayne tame Horses and Mares amongst them wherewith in the end they grow so familiar that they afterward go with them to fro and finally home into their Masters Yards where they bee taken and soone broken to their hands the Owners obtayning great profit thereby The Wâ—…lues are most fierce and noysome vnto the Heards and Flockes in all parts of Scotland Foxes doe much mischiefe in all steads chiefly in the Mountaynes where they be hardly hunted howbeit Arte hath deuised a meane to preuent their malice and to preserue the Poultry in some part and especially in Glenmoores euery house nourishes a young Foxe then killing the same they mixe the flesh thereof amongst such meate as they giue vnto the Fowles and other little bestiall And by this meanes so many Fowles or Cattel as eate hereof are safely preserued from the danger of the Foxe by the space of almost two moneths after so that they may wander whither they will for the Foxes smelling the flesh of their fellowes yet in their crops will in no wayes meddle with them but eschew and know such a one although it were among a hundred of other In Scotland are Dogs of marueylous condition aboue the nature of other Dogs The first is a Hound of great swiftnes hardines and strength fierce and cruel vpon all wild beasts and eger against Thieues that offer their masters any violence The second is a Rach or Hound very exquisite in following the foote which is called drawing whether it be of man or beast yea he will pursue any maner of fowle and find out whatsoeuer fish haunting the land or lurking amongst the Rocks specially the Otter by that excellent sent of smelling wherewith he is indewed The third sort is no greater then the aforesayd Raches in colour for the most part red with blacke spots or else blacke full of red marks These are so skilfull being vsed by practize that they will pursue a Thiefe or thiefe-stollen Goods in most precize maner and finding the trespasser with great audacity they will make a race vpon him or if he take the water for his safegard he shrinketh not to follow him and entering and issuing at the same places where the party went in and out he neuer ceaseth to range till he hath noysed his footing and be come to the place wherein the Thiefe is shrowded or hid These Dogs are called Sleuthhounds There was a Law amongst the borderers of England and Scotland that whosoeuer denyed entrance to such a Hound in pursute mads after Fellons and stollen goods should be holden as accessary vnto the theft or taken for the selfe same Thiefe Of Fowles such as I meane liue by prey there are sundry sorts in Scotland as Eagles Falcons Goâ—…hawks Sparhawks Marlions and such like but of water Fowles there is so great store that the report thereof may séeme to excéede all credit There are other kinds of Fowles the like are rare to be séene as the Capercaily greater in body then the Rauen liuing onely by the rindes barks of trées There are also many Moore Cockes and Hennes which abstayning from corne doe â—…éede onely vpon Hadder crops These two are very delicate in eating the third is reddish blacke of colour in quantity comparable to the Pheasant and no lesse delicious in taste and sauour at the table called The blacke or wilde Cocks Salmond is more plentifull in Scotland then in any other Region of the world in Haruest time they come from the Seas vp in smal Riuers where the waters are most shallow and there the Male and Female rubbing their bellies or wombs one agaynst the other they shed their Spawne which foorthwith they couer with sand and grauell and so depart away from hencefoorth they are gaunt and â—…lender and in appearance so leane appearing nought else but skin and bone and therefore out of vse and season to be eaten Some say if they touch any their full fellowes during the time of their leanenesse the same side which they touched will likewise become leane The foresayd Spawne and milt being hidden in the sand as you haue heard in the next â—…pring doth yéeld great numbers of little Fry so nesh and tender for a long time that till they come to be so great as a mans finger if you catch any of them they melt away as it were gelly or a blob of water from henceforth they go to the Sea where within 20. dayes they grow to a reasonable greatnesse and then returning to the place of their generation they shew a notable spectacle to be conâ—…idered There are many Linâ—…es or pâ—…oles which being in some places among the Rockes very shallow abouâ—… and déepe beneath with the fall of the water and thereto the Salmond not able to pierce through the channell eyther for swiftnesse of the course or depth of the discent hee goeth so nâ—…re vnto the side of