Kilchoman Table

Name Value Date Grid Ref Map Sources Other forms, comments etc
‘in le Ren de Yla’ 10m 1499 Book of Islay p 28. This would be an ounceland/davach unit.
Kentraw 2½m(1/4 land) 1507 NR 2662 After 1614 this seems to disappear as a separate 1/4 land. It is with Conesbie as a 1/4 in 1686.
Conisby 2½m1/4 land 15071722 NR 2661 Blaeu(Ila)Add 11803A Conasbe(1507), Conispy(1541), Quennesby(1562), Koningsbay(1733)
Gartacharra 1¼m1/8 land 15411722 NR 2561 Gartker(1507), Gartequhar(1541). With Carnglas as 2½m in 1507 & 1509
Coultorsay 1¼m(1/8 land) 1541 NR 2560 Blaeu(Ila) Coule(1507). With Lorgba as 2½m in 1507 & 1509. With Lergba as 1/4 land (2½m) in 1663-4 & 1741. (Coule=Coultorsay).
Lorgbaw 1¼m(1/8 land) 1541 NR 251594 Blaeu(Ila)OS(1878)  Lorgba(1507). With Coule as 2½m in 1507 & 1509. With Coultersay as 1/4 land (2½m) in 1663-4 & 1741.OS CCVII(1878). (Coule=Coultorsay).
Octomore 2½m1/4 land 15071741 NR 2458/2459 Blaeu(Ila)Add 11803A 1/4 land 1663-4(Book of Islay p 411)Separate from Octomore Grimsay. See below.
Grimsay 2½m1/4 land 15071741 NR 226605 Blaeu(Ila)Add 11803AOS(1878) OS CCVII(1878).See below.
Ouchtmor (Grimsay) (1¼m)(1/8 land) 1507 With Garry(1507) or Gerre(1509) as 1/4 land. Garry probably = Gearach. See below.
Gearach 2½m1/4 land 15411722 NR 2259 Add 11803A Garry(1507), Gerre(1509), Garremore & Garrebeg(1541),Girre moir & Girre beg(1563-4), Garie(1686), Gerrich(1733). Only 1¼m in 1507? See below.
Glessans 2½m1/4 land 15071639 c. NR 2457? Blaeu(Ila)Add 11803A Glassanis(1509)
Olistadh 1¼m1/8 land 15411722 NR 2158 Add 11803A Perhaps part of Nerabus in 1507.
Carn 1¼m1/8 land 15411722 NR 2457 Add 11803A Also called Carne Glassance(1563-4), Carnglassans(1686). With Gartcar (Gartacharra?) in 1507 & 1509. With Olista in 1751.
Torony 1¼m1/8 land 15621686 NR 2356 Add 11803A Torrannay(1562), Torronich(1722).Perhaps part of Nerabus in 1507.
Craigfad 1¼m1/8 land 17221722 NR 2255/2355 Add 11803A Perhaps part of Nerabus in 1507.  I have no valuations before 1722. With Amond in 1751.
Nerabus 5m1/2 land 1587-8 NR 2255 Add 11803A Ex monastery of Derry. 6¼m in 1507 – presumably including another property. =Eyrbols(Blaeu)? See below.
Amot 1¼m1/8 land 15411686 c. NR 2155 Add 11803A Ambud(1507), Annuid(1509), Almond(1686). With Archallauch or Arehalach as 2½m in 1507 & 1509. With Craigfade in 1751.
Octofad 1¼m1/8 land 1541 NR 2154/2254 Add 11803A = Tontufadda(Blaeu)?With Ouchtocladesell in 1507 & 1509. See below.
Ellister 5m1/2 land 1507 NR 2053(Easter)NE 1852(Wester) Blaeu(Ila)Add 11803A Ilistill & Ilastill(1507), Aclisty & Aclistie(1562).See below.
Bolsay NR 2257   Part of Wester Ellister in 1751.
Balledale 2½m1/4 land 1507 c. NR 1855/1955 Langlands(1801) Balledale(1507), Ballegawle(1541), Ballegallie(1562), Balladalie(1686). With Arychally & Orsay in 1741. Ballygally in Langlands(1801) is WNW of Ballimony which is at NR 195550.
Ouchtocladesell (1¼m)(1/8 land) With Ouchtofad as 2½m in 1507 & 1509. This must be the ‘eighthland of Cladville’ which had been absorbed with the rest of Cladville by 1541.
Orsay 1¼m(1/8 land) 1507 NR 1651 Blaeu(Ila)Add 11803A Church-lands. Orsay disappears from view after 1509 and by 1686 was with Wester Ellister and Balladalie. With Balygawly & Arychally in 1741. See below.
Eilean Mhic Coinnich   NR 1652 Blaeu(Ila)Add 11803A Oilen na Cheannard(Blaeu)?, Illand Chaymie(Macf Geog Coll II p 191), Fisher Isle(Add 11803A).
Cladville 3¾m(3/8 land) 1541 NR 1754 Blaeu(Ila)Add 11803A 2½m in 1507 & 1509 after which the 1/8 of  Ouchtocladesell seems to have been joined. Gladepen(1507), Cladefill(1541), Cladefeild(1563-4, 1584).
Corieskallag   1686 Corieskallag(1686), Anscallaige(1722). With Balledale and Wester Ellister in 1686 & 1722.
Arehalach (⅝m)(1/16 land) 1686 ? NR 1755 Blaeu(Ila)Add 11803A Airigh Sgallaidh appears at NR 1755 which is the right area according to Add 11803A. See below.
Erpheill 1¼m(1/8 land) 1541 Blaeu(Ila) See below.
Kelsay 1¼m(1/8 land) 1562-3 NR 1956 Add 11803A See below.
Kintesane 1¼m(1/8 land) 1562-3 See below.
Ard 1¼m(1/8 land) 1562-3 Usually classed with Lossit as 2½m. Ard(1507, 1509), Ardvuilem(1562-3), Ardumlane(1614), Ardinlame(1686). OPS II, I p 275 adds Ardvmlem for 1562.
Lossit 1¼m(1/8 land) 1562-3 NR 1856 Blaeu(Ila)Add 11803A Usually classed with Ard as 2½m. Given as 1¼m in 1562-3, 1564 & 1583-4. By itself as 1/4 land from 1722 & presumably now including Ard.
Coultoon 1¼m(1/8 land) 1541 NR 1957/2057 Add 11803A Linked with Calmissary in 1507, 1509, 1686, 1733 & 1741 – usually as 2½m or 1/4 land.
Calmissary 1¼m(1/8 land) 1541 Linked with Coultoon in 1507, 1509, 1686, 1733 & 1741 – usually as 2½m or 1/4 land. Calmazary(1507), Calmissary(1541).
Tormisdale 2½m1/4 land 15071722 NR 1958 Add 11803A Tormystule(1509), Tormystie(1562), Tormesdill(1686).Torma in Add 11803A.
Kilchiaran 3¾m7/16 land 15411722 NR 2060 Blaeu(Ila)Add 11803A Killerin and Brade (+ cross symbol) in Add 11803A.See below.
Am Braid 1⅞m3/16 land 15411686 NR 217609 OS(1878) = Braigh/Bray of Kilchiaran. OS CCVII(1878). See below under Kilchiaran.
Clagenauch 1¼m(1/8 land) 1541 With Uvirkilkerane as 2½m in 1507 & 1509. Clagenach(1507).Part of Kilchoman in 1686 & 1722.
Kilchoman & Kilchiaran ⅝m(1/16 land) 1507 Church-lands listed in addition to other portions of Kilchoman & Kilchiaran.
Kilchoman 10m(1 unit land) 1507 NR 2163 Blaeu(Ila)Add 11803A 10m(1509, 1541, 1614), 5m(1562, 1632). In 1686 it included Claignacht (Clagnish in 1722), and Crosprig despite the fact that these were listed separately in 1507. See below.
Downane 1¼m(1/8 land) 1562-3 NR 294674 Given as part of Kilchoman in 1686 & 1722. Dowman(1562-3), Drinnan(1583-4), Downnand(1615), Downane(1686).= A’Chrannag(Argyll V No 398).
Kinaskill 1¼m(1/8 land) 1562 Given as part of Kilchoman in 1686 & 1722. Kenasgill(1562), tua Kenisgillis(1562-3). Caldwell p 127 quotes JF Campbell referring to a Caonis Gall in Crosprig.
Mulbuy ⅝m 1562-3 ? NR 263678 RHP 11001 Given as part of Kilchoman in 1686. Molleboye(1562-3), Mulbuy(1686). = Maol Bhuidhe at NR 263678?
Cruech 1686 ? NR 2262 Given as part of Kilchoman in 1686 & 1722. Croash(1722).A’ Cruach & Coille na Cruaiche are at NR 2262.
Crosprig ½m 1541 NR 2162 Crosbarrich(1507), Crosebell(1541), Crosbrege(1562), Croseboll(1614). Given as part of Kilchoman in 1686. With Saligo & Brakilkerane in 1507.
Saligo ½m 1541 NR 2066/2166 Salligo(1507). With Crosprig & Brakilkerane in 1507.
Erasaid ½m 1541 NR 2965 Areset(1541), the Herrestuid(1562-3), the Heresind(1564), Heresfude(1583-4)
Coull 2½m1/4 land 15071542 NR 2064 Blaeu(Ila)Add 11803A Cowll(1542). 3⅛m in 1751 so must have absorbed another ⅝m unit.
Sunderland 2½m1/4 land 15071542 NR 2464 Add 11803A Synerlay(1507), Schynnerll(1542), Synnarland(1541)
Foreland 1¼m(1/8 land) 1541 NR 2664 Blaeu(Ila)Add 11803A Forling(Blaeu). With Camkilane(1507) or Kankylane(1509) as 2½m or 1/4 land. This is presumably Kenchaillen.
Arealaich 1¼m(1/8 land) 1541 Arealaich(1541), Arehallich(1542), Arrealaich(1614), Arehalich(1617). With Foreland as 1/4 land in 1542 & 1617.See below.
Kenchaillen 1¼m(1/8 land) 1541 Camkilane(1507), Kankylane(1509), Kindcalyeane(1541).With Foreland as 2½m in 1507 & 1509. See below.
Mealand ⅝m1/16 land 15411542 =Meglyne(1542), Megleyne(1617), Meglin(1627). With Sunderland & Coull as Maclean properties in ER XVII p 554 (1540-2).
Meachriemenbutter ⅝m 1628 AS II (257). The context strongly implies this is Machair Bheolain. In 1636 this land is called Macherunen Lyne.
Macharimel ⅝m 1659 AS I (409). The context strongly implies this is Machair Bheolain.Caldwell (p 325) gives Machriemealanit(1683).
Machirvealin(1686)Masherrveolin(1722) (⅝m) 1722 ? NR 2068/2168 With Foreland in 1686 & 1722. Perhaps for Machair Bheolain by Dun Bheolain? at NR 2068/2168. See below.
Ballinaby 2¾m 1541 NR 2267 Blaeu(Ila)Add 11803A Including Grulin & Gartnahalla? See below.
Leik 2½m(1/4 land) 1509 NR 2367 Add 11803A Only 28s 4d in 1507 which may be a mistake since it is consistently 2½m. Leik(1507), Lek(1541), Leck(1614). This is Leckosnish, not Leck Gruinart. It seems to have lain on either side of River Leoig which runs from Loch Corr to Loch Gorm. (See Day Book of Daniel Campbell pp 217-8 for 1778).
Gruinart 2½m(1/4 land) 1507 NR 2768 Blaeu(Ila)Add 11803A This consisted of 2 parts, 25s or 1⅞m which was lay and 8s 4d or ⅝m which was mortified anew to Oronsay Priory by MacIan. Grumnort or Grumwurd(1507).
Smaull 2½m(1/4 land) 1507 NR 2168 Blaeu(Ila)Add 11803A Smarle(1507), Smaole(1509), Smawill(1541), Smawll(1562).See below.
Kindrochid 1¾m 1541 NR 2368 Blaeu(Ila)Add 11803A See below. With part of Sandaig in 1507 & 1509. With Keanchyllan as a 1/4 land and a cowland in 1686. With Smail in 1722.
Megirne 2½m1/4 land 15621722 Blaeu(Ila) Blaeu marks SE of Loch Gorm. Migarne(1686), Migrim(1733). Elusive after 1751 but Tobar Neill Neonaich (NR 2872) is named after a Makduphee of Migirnes.
Grulin ¼m 1562-3 NR 2466 (More)NR 2468 (Beg) Add 11803A Groden 1562-3, Crulin 1733.Often treated as part of Ballinaby.
Ardtornish (¾m) 1733 NR 2067 1m with Crulin(1733, 1741)
Sandaig 5m 1507 NR 2370 (More)NR 221699 (Beg) Blaeu(Ila)Add 11803AOS(1878) Sandak(1507), Sandag(1509).  See below.Sanaigbeg is at NR 221699 in OS CXCVI(1878).
Leckgruinart (1⅞m)3/16 land 1722 NR 2769 Add 11803A Leackgrunzeard(1686), Leachgrunard(1722). Described as 8 cowlands (2m) in 1686, but 3/16 (1⅞m) in 1722, 1733 & 1741. No valuations < 1686.
Garra Eallabus? ½m 1507 NR 2870 Possibly = Gararbollis (½m church lands listed between Breacachadh and Gruinart in 1507 & 1509).
Kilnave 1¼m(1/8 land) 1616 Add 11803A Ex Oronsay Priory. 1¼m Kilnew(1616), 2½m Kilneall(1617).See below.
Breacachadh 2½m1/4 land 15071686 NR 2672 Blaeu(Ila)Add 11803A Ex Oronsay Priory. Linked with Mergadill in 1722, 1733 & 1741.Port Bhreac-Achaidh is in NR 2672 but Add 11803A shows the farm extending to the W side of Loch Gruinart.
Howe 1¼m(1/8 land) 1541 See below.
Skeauch ⅝m(1/16 land) 1507 Skeak(1509). In 1509 this is said to belong to Oronsay.See below.
Sohy 2½m(1/4 land) 1562-3 See below.
Ardnave 5m(1/2 land) 1507 NR 2873 Blaeu(Ila)Add 11803A Church lands (Iona). Arnadow(1507), Ardnowe(1509), Ardnew(1617), Ardneall(1623). In 1722 Ardnave & Nave Island were classed as a 1/4 land + 2 cowlands but this does not quite match their Scottish extent for that year.
Nave Island 1m 1507 NR 2875 Blaeu(Ila)Add 11803A Church lands. Ilanardnaw(1507). This valuation seems to have been lost in later listings of Iona’s property.
Total (m) 113¾m

 

In the Stent Book of Islay (p 48) there is a list from 1754 of the quarterlands in Kilchoman parish (although mistakenly labelled Killarow). The total given is 41¾ quarterlands which would make ten davachs and 1¾ quarterlands.

 

Octomore

Ouchtmor(1507). =’big eighthland’. But this particular ‘eighthland’ was already classed as a 1/4 land by itself in 1507. To confuse matters further there is another Ouchtmor (this time a 1/8th land) which appears with Garry as 2½m in 1507. Both of these appear separate to the Octomoir Gremsay (also a 1/8th land) which appears c. 1541. The trouble was that Octomoir was a generic term which could become the name of one particular farm but might also be applied to parts of other farms. Furthermore, as farms grew or contracted so the name Octomoir could signify land that was worth more or less than its nominal value of 1/8. (Exactly the same happened under the pennyland system). From c. 1663 this Octomore was part of a group of farms that were held together. They are listed as 1/4 Ochtomoir, 1/4 Cultorsay & Lorgba, 1/4 Grimsay, 1/16 Dudilmoir and 1 cowland of Gyline (AS II (1117) of 1663 & (1126) of 1664).

 

Grimsay

2½m (1/4 land) in 1507, 1509, 1663-4 & 1741. Between these dates it seems to have been split between Gremissay at 1¼m (1541 & 1614) and Octomoir Gremsay (1541, 1562-84, 1614) – also at 1¼m or 1/8 land. (It appears as Tochtomoremissay in 1541 & Tochtomoirmissay in 1614).

 

Gearach

This is listed with Ouchtmor as 2½m (1/4 land) in 1507 but since it appears consistently thereafter as 2½m by itself I assume the name Ouchtmor dropped from usage. Gearach was divided into two halves (Moir & Beg – one of which presumably replaced Ouchtmor) from c 1541 until c. 1614 and from then on they seem to have combined again into one farm.

 

Nerabus

Listed as ‘Cella Sancti Columbe de Arrobollis’ (church-lands worth 6¼m) in 1507 & 1509. Since Nerabus is normally given as 5m this must have included another 1¼m probably close by. Since Torony(1¼m), Craigfad(1¼m) & Olistadh(1¼m) are all missing from the 1507 & 1509 lists it seems likely that these, along with 2½m Nerabus proper made up the 6¼m of ‘Arrobollis’ in 1507. With Corramochie or Coramonthie as 5m in 1614. Only 1/4 land from 1722-1751.

 

Octofad

Octofad (‘long eighthland’) was 1¼m or 1/8 land from 1541-1614 but from 1686-1741 was 1/4 land, presumably by combining with another unit. (Was this the former church land of Girgadale which had been linked to Orsay in 1507? See under Orsay.) With Ouchtocladesell as 2½m in 1507 & 1509.

 

Ellister

The two Ellisters do not seem to have been distinguished in 1507, 1509 or 1562. From 1562 they bear slightly different names which, because of spelling variations, can be difficult to disentangle. However all the references are consistent in showing that each half of Ellister was worth 2½m and the total was 5m. In 1686 Wester Ellister included Orsay, Balladalie and Corieskallag. In 1751 Wester Elister included Bolsea which is Bolsay at NR 2257.

 

Orsay

The way this is described in 1507 (‘Island of Saint Columba of Ilanorsa in Islay’) implies some of the lands may have been in Islay itself.

 

Arehalach

With Ambud(Amot) as 2½m in 1507 & 1509. Archallauch(1507), Arehalach(1509), Ary Sallach(Blaeu), Aryhallauch(1741) and Arichalloch(1751). Ariehallach is linked to Erpheill in 1686 (at a rent of £90) and in 1722 Arrihalich is valued at 25s (1⅞m) or 3/16 – also with a rent of £90. Although Erpheill is not mentioned in 1722 I think we can assume it was included. I think this pairing extended through the rentals of 1733 and 1741 and the valuation of 1751. I think this shieling is separate to the Arealaich by Foreland.

 

Erpheill

Blaeu marks Erueil north of Nerabus and to east of Ary Sallach. Probably 1¼m Arrefeill(1541), 1¼m Arrastill in 1562, 1¼m Arrafeild(1562-3, 1564, 1583-4 & 1614).  Linked with Ariehallach above in 1686 and I think also thereafter. Spellings suggest first element is for airigh (shieling).

 

Kelsay

Nearly always with Kintesane as 2½m (1/4 land) although the valuations between 1562-3 & 1584 show each to have been worth 1¼m (1/8 land). Kelsa(1507), Kilfey(1509), Kelsay(1541), Kelsage(1562), Kealsay(1562-84), Kelsa(1722), Kelso(1751). From 1722 it appears by itself as 1/4 land so must have absorbed Kintesane by then.

 

Kintesane

Kintesane(1507), Kyntisan(1509), Kilcavane(1541), Kiltayn(1562), Kiltathan(1562-3), Kilcatachaye(1564), Gilchathan(1583-4), Kilcavan(1614), Kiltechmes(1686). Almost always with Kelsay as 2½m (1/4 land) but listed as 1¼m in 1562-3, 1564 & 1583-4. Caldwell (p 315) thinks it a kil-name.

 

Kilchiaran

Kilchiaran more is given as 2½m in 1541, 1562, 1562-3, 1564, 1583-4 & 1614. Kilchiaran beg is given as 1¼m in 1541, 1562-3, 1564, 1583-4 & 1614. The Bray or Braid (ie high ground) of Kilchiaran is given as 25s or 1⅞m (3/16 land) in 1541, 1562-3, 1564, 1583-4, 1614, 1686, 1722, 1733 & 1741. (It appears with Crosbarrich & Saligo in 1507 & 1509 and working backwards from other valuations we can show that it was likely to have been 1⅞m then as well).  The total for Kilchiaran & Braid should therefore be 75s (or 9/16 land). In fact the total extent in 1722, 1733 & 1741 seems to have been 10/16 which means that an extra 8s 4d or 1/16 land has accrued from somewhere. If we look at the evidence for 1507 & 1509 we have more clues but more anomalies. In each of these documents Kilchiaran appears three times. It is given by itself as 2½m or 1/4 land. We then have Uvirkilkerane with Clagenach as 2½m or 1/4 land. Clagenach was 1¼m in 1541 so Uvirkilkerane must have been the same. Was Uvirkilkerane the same as Kilchiaran beg (which had the same valuation)? Finally we have 8s 4d (1/16 land) classified as church-lands belonging to Kilcoman and Kilchiaran (see also below under Kilchoman). Even if we regard them as wholly Kilchiaran’s the total value for Kilchiaran in 1507 & 1509 did not exceed 7/16.

 

Kilchoman

Kilchoman was a very large and important farm which was the only one in Islay to be classed as an ounceland or davach unit in 1507. In fact Kilchoman itself may only have been 5m or half a davach but the whole estate included several other properties for some of which we have individual valuations. However there is also an entry in 1507 & 1509 for ⅝m of Kilcoman & Kilkerain – specifically as church-lands. Even if the davach of Kilchoman was originally a church endowment it seems to have become lay by 1507 – despite the fact that a cleric occupied it in 1541. I think the same process applied to Kilchiaran.

 

Arealaich

Despite the similarity of names I think this was a different farm to the Arehalach in the southern section of the Rinns. It was linked with Forland as 2½m or 1/4 land in 1542 when it was a Maclean property and is also linked with Foirland in 1617. It appears as Arealaich or Arealauch alongside the other Maclean properties in the northern part of the Rhinns in 1540-1542 (ER XVII pp 553-4).

 

Kenchaillen

In 1507, 1509, 1541, 1562-3 1583-4 & 1614 Kenchaillen is 1¼m or 1/8 land. In 1562 it is only ½m but this probably just a mistake where the scribe wrote 6s 8d instead of 16s 8d. In 1686 there is reference to Leack etc with a cowland of ‘Keanchyllane in Machoroshinis’ but in the same year ‘Keandrochead and Keanchyllan’ are described as a quarter and a cowland. I am not sure what happened but it is likely that the original 1¼m unit was dismembered into its 5 component cowlands (1 cowland = 3s 4d or ¼m) which were allocated to different farms – one going to Kindrochid.

 

Machirvealin

The present farm of Machrie (NR 209638) is about 5 kms south of Dun Bheolain which makes me wonder if it was formerly further north.

 

Ballinaby

In 1507 Leich & Bellenabe were worth 5m. In 1509 Leich is not mentioned and Balenabe is worth 5m by itself. From 1563-1584 Ballinabie is paired with Gartnahalla at 1¼m in all (which might actually mean Gartnahalla by itself). In 1609, 1650, 1656 & 1751 Ballinaby is referred to as a 5m estate but this seems to have included the other properties of Arresat(Erasaid), How, Saligo, Grulin & Gartahald. Arresat & Saligo were each worth ½m whilst How was worth 1¼m. After deducting these Ballinaby itself was notionally worth 2¾m but of this Grulin may have been ¼m and Gartnahalla possibly another mark and a quarter. In Add 11803A two small enclaves are marked to N of Ballinaby, W of Leek & Grulin, E of Smaull and S of Kindrochit. The northernmost is labelled ‘Pendeicle of Ballynaby’, the other is unmarked.

 

Smaull

There is reference to 7 cowlands of Small in 1733 & 1 cowland of Smail in 1741. In 1751 Smail is linked with Migrim, Grulin and Ardtorinish.

 

Kindrochid

Kindrochid appears as 1¾m in 1541, 1562-3, 1583-4 and 1614 (and probably 1507 & 1509). It appears as 2½m in 1562, 1686, 1733 and 1741. The difference between the two valuations is 10s or ¾m which may represent another small property that became absorbed into Kindrochid in later years.

 

Sandaig

In 1507 and 1509 Sandaig was composed of three distinct parts, two of which belonged to Oronsay Priory. These two were Sandaig proper (2½m or 1/4 land) and ‘superior’ (Upper) Sandaig(1¼m or 1/8 land). The third part was called Schannagangrig or Sanagrangreg which was worth 3m with Kindrokit. This part is also referred to as Sannage Nagrek or Nagreg in 1562-3 or Sandag & Neanegane in 1541. The evidence for 1541, 1562-3, 1564, 1583-4 & 1614 suggests it was worth 1¼m or 1/8 land. This would make a total of 5m for all three parts of Sandaig. Upper Sandaig possibly became Sannage Beg in 1562 & 1751. The rest of Sandaig is more complicated. We meet Sandaig More in 1686, 1722, 1733 & 1741 by which time it had become a 3/8 land rather than a 1/4 land. The extra 1/8 land may have been the former Schannagangrig.

In the post-Reformation documents dealing with Oronsay’s properties in Islay there are references to the 16s 8d (1¼m) of Alkeschennag or Altrow.  RMS VII (1386) of 1616 names it Alkeschennag or Alscheneg as does RMS VIII (547) of 1623. (It is slightly ambiguous whether this property is in Islay or Mull). AS II (166) of 1623 gives it the same valuation but calls it Altrow instead. The only sense I can make of this place-name is to assume the first element is ‘allt’ or burn and the second element is either ‘Sannaig’ or ‘ruadh’. If there was a burn called Allt Sannaig it is now lost to the map but there is a stream called Sruthan Ruadh just west of Sannaigmore. Ruadh (red, reddish) is a common element in burn-names and there is another such burn by Grulin Beg so we should not place too much weight on this. Nevertheless 3¾m of Sannaig originally belonged to Oronsay and perhaps these documents record what happened to ⅓ of that.

 

Kilnave

In AS II (166) of 1623 (on an earlier charter of 1617) Kilneall (Kilnave) is given as 2½m – as is Brecacha. In RMS VII (1386) of 1616 and AS II (177) of 1624 it is given as 1¼m. From 1686 it is given as a quarterland or 2½m.  I have no references for Kilnave before 1616 but I don’t think it would have been seen as part of the 5m of Ardnave because that belonged to Iona whilst Kilnave belonged to Oronsay.

 

Howe

In 1541 half of this (ie ⅝m or 8s 4d) belonged to Oronsay Priory. Unfortunately it is difficult to prove a link between Howe and one of the properties described as Oronsay’s in 1507. (It could be Skeauch). It was 1¼m in 1541, 1609, 1614, 1628. Part of 5m Ballinaby in 1609, 1629 & 1650. The name suggests a prehistoric monument so possibly near the standing stones of Ballinaby?

 

Skeauch

Despite the similarity of name and value to Skeaik, a property which belonged to Iona in 1507, I think Skeauch may be completely separate. We do not know where it was but I suspect it was beside the rest of Oronsay’s farms at the north end of the Rhinns. It may have been the same as the half of Howe which was Oronsay’s in 1541.

 

Sohy

In the four tacks between 1562 and 1584 the are references to 1¼m Sohy (or Soze) and also to 1¼m of the other Sohy or Soze. This would make a total valuation of 2½m or 1/4 land. (The context is the northern half of the Rhinns – NW of Loch Gorm). Unfortunately I can find no further references to this name either before or after. It could be Howe although it seems to be double the value.

 

Ardnave

Ardnave is complicated. The rentals for 1507 & 1509 state the value at 5m. The 1561 rental of the Bishopric of the Isles printed in CRA p 3 gives the value of Ardneiv as 13m. The only way to resolve this discrepancy is to argue that Ardnave in 1561 included more than the farm of Ardnave itself. CRA p 178 ff & RMS V (1491) of 1587-8 refer to 2 quarters of Ardnave called the 1/8 of Mee and the mid-town called Ballevannich and Island Nave. However we compute this we do not reach 13m. Alternatively we can assume the 13m included Oronsay’s properties on the peninsula. These included Sandaig (3¾m), Breacachadh (2½m), part of Gruinart (⅝m), Skeauch (⅝m) and probably Garra Eallabus (½m) – a total of 8m. With 5m Ardnave this comes to 13m although there is still a problem over the missing value of Nave Island (1m).

 

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