THE NORSE CONNECTION

Plundering raids by the Norsemen, coming in their longships, began in the late eighth century, and led to the occupation of the lands they had at first only raided. The Sudreys, or southern islands which included Man, were colonised, and Islay was central in this island kingdom, the rulers of which, from about 850-1100 were largely independent of both the Norwegian and Scottish kings.

A key factor to life in those days was the existence of the Norse longs hip clinker built, with keel and sail, and steering oar. These ships had successfully brought the Norse many, many miles to the islands.

The local people learned a great deal about their construction, and in due course adapted the design to make the smaller and more manoeuvrable "nyvaigs" which enabled Somerled to defeat the Norse.

The Norse ruled over Man and the Isles for many years. From around 962-1195 Islay had strong connections with the royal family of the Sudreys. The most closely linked with Islay, and the most famous, was Godred Crovan, and it is almost certain that he was partly brought up in Islay.