Matheson Collection > Macleods of Dunvegan from the time of Leod to the end of the seventeenth century

viii THE MACLEODS OF DUNVEGAN
of the Clan, in regard to which the same particular informa-
tion, for a variety of reasons, probably cannot now be
ascertained. The fall of ' the MacLeods of Lewis ' in the
latter part of the sixteenth century has left many blank
pages in the history of the Clan.
The general matter referred to relates to our common
origin, and also to various events and affairs in Highland
history, and in the larger sphere of Scottish history.
Indeed, while no sort of pretension of the kind is made,
the volume is a marked contribution in the latter respect,
apart from its special interest to members of the Clan.
The separate kingdom of Man and the Isles, the re-
absorption of the western islands into geographical
Scotland and, under the Scottish Crown, the rise of the
clans, their inter-relations, and their common relationship
to the central government, are aspects which are touched
upon, and in regard to which a convincing and satisfac-
tory view has still to be stated in our national history.
The present volume will be helpful in this direction.
The references to the social and political conditions in
the Highlands during the last two preceding centuries are
perhaps only too brief. The House of Dunvegan has a
noble record as regards its military service and the
welfare of the Clan. The achievements of the original
Highland regiments, and the emigration from the High-
lands, both of which subjects are also touched upon, had
an effect upon the growth and development of the
Dominions overseas of capital importance in the history
of British expansion.