Lordship of the Isles

The Lordship of the Isles was a medieval Gaelic lordship that covered the western coast of Scotland, including the Hebrides and parts of the mainland. It was ruled by the MacDonald family, who held significant autonomy and power from the late Middle Ages until the 15th century. The lordship was characterized by its maritime culture, independent governance, and influence over regional trade and politics. It played a key role in Scottish history, often balancing between Scottish authority and Gaelic traditions, until internal conflicts and external pressures gradually integrated it more firmly into the Kingdom of Scotland.