The Artificial Islets/crannogs of the Central Inner Hebrides

Large numbers of `artificial islets' (small man-made islands) from the prehistoric and medieval periods, occur throughout Scotland and although this study focuses primarily on those from the Central Inner Hebrides, they are compared and contrasted with those in other areas. Mark Holley looks especially at the islands of Mull, Coll, Tiree and Islay, and at the location and spatial positioning of these sites with regard to the availability of land for farming and maritime and other natural resources. A survey of the local history literature concerning these site types, the environmental and geological background, underwater reconnaisance carried out and a study of placenames, are all presented. This assessment of existing material and newly-identified sites brings fresh insights into these remote and often submerged islets and the gazetteer of sites provides an important source of reference.