Lordship of the Isles

The Lordship of the Isles was a political entity that existed in the western and northern parts of Scotland from the 9th to the late 15th century. Originating as part of the Kingdom of the Isles, a realm that included parts of modern-day Scotland and the Isle of Man, it was influenced by Norse settlers and their descendants.

By the mid-13th century, following the Treaty of Perth, the Kingdom became part of Scotland. However, the Lordship of the Isles maintained a degree of autonomy, often clashing with the Scottish Crown, until its definitive annexation to Scotland in the late 15th century.

Their autonomy waned after political intrigues, including the Treaty of Ardtornish-Westminster in 1462. The Lordship's independent authority was effectively abolished in 1493 when King James IV of Scotland forfeited the title from John MacDonald II, integrating the Lordship's territories more directly under the Scottish Crown.