We are delighted that our publication, The Archaeology of Finlaggan, Islay: Excavations at the Centre of the Lordship of the Isles, 1989–1998 by Dr David Caldwell HonFSAScot, has been shortlisted for The Saltires: Scotland’s National Book Awards in the 2026 Scotland’s Research Book of the Year category. Celebrating the best Scottish books since 1937, the Saltire Society champions Scottish culture, with literature at the heart of its work.

Finlaggan on Islay has long been recognised as an important medieval site; the centre from which the MacDonald Lords of the Isles exercised control and patronage over large areas of Scotland. This major archaeological project undertaken from 1989 to 1998 led to a better understanding of how the Lords of the Isles created a Gaelic state and how Finlaggan contributed to the culture and heritage of Scotland. The excavations also uncovered evidence of prehistoric occupation and ritual, lead mining, and post-medieval settlement including a fort.

In addition to the excavation results, this book reviews all available historical documentation to place Finlaggan in its local West Highland setting as well as a wider British and Irish context. Richly illustrated with photographs and plans of the excavation sites, the book discusses Finlaggan as a castle, palace and administrative hub. The volume is supplemented by an online catalogue of artefacts and environmental material that provides a wealth of information on the inhabitants, their pastimes, their activities and their quality of life.

As an independent publisher with the support of our Fellows, funders and sponsors, we make cutting-edge research into Scottish history and archaeology available to all by offering a range of printed publications and open access e-books, including The Archaeology of Finlaggan, Islay.

Read ‘Finlaggan’