Post by King Adam Aberdeen I on Mar 5, 2010 5:43:18 GMT -6
Eilean Leòdhas agus na Hearadh is both unique and diverse, having numerous influences, the most influential being that of the Gaelic, Celtic and Norse races. The islands have been inhabited for an extraordinary long period of time, where history was history before it was ever written.
LEWIS
Lewis, ( Leòdhas ), is, in general, the lower lying part of Lewis and Harris, with the other part, Harris, being more mountainous. The flatter, more fertile land of Lewis contains the largest town, Stornoway, and three-quarters of the population of the Isles. Beyond human habitation, the island's diverse habitats are home to an assortment of flora and fauna, such as the golden eagle, red deer and seals.
The Butt of Lewis, Rubha Robhanais is in the area of Ness (Gaelic: Nis) is the northernmost part of the Isle of Lewis, a bustling community consisting of about 16 villages, including Lionel, Habost, Swainbost, Cross, North and South Dell, Cross Skigersta, Skigersta, Eoradale, Adabrock, Port of Ness, Knockaird, Fivepenny and Eoropie. It is the most north-westerly community. It is the northernmost point of the Isle of Lewis. It is the location for King Adam’s first lighthouse built in the Gaelic Nations. It is also the foremost makers of sails of all kinds.
The Callanish Stones, (Clachan Chalanais or Tursachan Chalanais in Gaelic), are situated near the village of Callanish on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis. Local tradition says that giants who lived on the island refused to be converted to Christianity by Saint Kieran and were turned into stone as a punishment. Another local belief says that at sunrise on midsummer morning, the "shining one" walked along the stone avenue, "his arrival heralded by the cuckoo's call." Running north from the stone circle are two parallel lines of stones forming an avenue about 80 meters long. There are 19 stones in the avenue (with the possibility that some have been removed during farming of the surrounding land). Also running from the circle are single lines of stones to the east (4 stones), west (4) and south (6). If we take the stones at Callanish to be site 1 there are a further 11 sites of standing stones in the immediate area.
Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis, was originally a Viking settlement and developed around its well sheltered natural harbor. Reflecting this, the name Stornoway itself is derived from 'Stjornavagr', an Old Norse word for 'steering bay'. Development of the town was spurred by the construction of the castle by the MacNicol family, themselves of Viking descent. Infighting between rival clans continued until Robert the Bruce brought it under control of Scotland. Now Under the Griffin reign, furthered by King Adam I, Stornoway has become a world leader in shipbuilding naval warships and cargo vessels, with 4 separate slips to build ships. The new road connecting the city with the Ness community enables sails to be delivered effortlessly to the builders.
Stornoway Shipbuilding
The shipbuilding industry in Imperial China reached its height during the 12th century. The establishment of China's first official standing navy in 1132 AD and the enormous increase in maritime trade abroad allowed the shipbuilding industry to thrive like never before. Some of the largest seaports in the world existed in China during this era. In the Islamic world, shipbuilding at Basra and Alexandria, the Dhow, Felucca, Baghlah and the Sambuk, became symbols of successful maritime trade, from the ports of East Africa to Southeast Asia and the ports of Sindh and Hind (India) in later period. Viking longships developed from an alternate tradition of clinker-built hulls fastened with leather thongs. Sometime around the 12th century, northern European ships began to be built with a straight sternpost, enabling the mounting of a rudder, which was much more durable than a steering oar held over the side. Development favored "round ships", with a broad beam and heavily curved at both ends. The shipbuilding industry across the world progressed. China was home to some of the biggest seaports of the world, including Quanzhou and Guangzhou.
The introduction of cannons onto ships, by the Mo’r Triath of Skye, encouraged the development of tumblehome, the inward slant of the above-water hull, for additional stability, as well as techniques for strengthening the internal frame. Even so, construction techniques changed only very gradually; the ships of the old Griffin Fleet were internally very similar to those of the English Fleet twenty years earlier.
But after the Griffin War of Independence, revolutionary change in the design and construction of seagoing sailing ships occurred. The call of Gaelic Renaissance by the Protector of Skye and Scotland, the Mo’r Triath, in 1330 brought engineers, scientists, and shipbuilders from all around the world. The two established European shipbuilding traditions, one Mediterranean and the other northern, merged in the production of the full-rigged ship. From the north the rounded tubby hull form of the cog, the sternpost rudder, and the large square sail for driving the ship were combined with the abutting or carvel hull planking and the lateen sail of the south. Full-rigged ships carried three masts with a large square sail on the mainmast, a triangular lateen sail on the mizzen, and a small square sail on the foremast to balance the lateen at the stern. The square sails provided power while the lateen made the ship more maneuverable. Relying on the internal frame for strength—necessary if the hull planks did not overlap but instead abutted one another—made for lower initial construction costs, though such a hull required more repair and maintenance.
The change in construction also meant a change in the organization of work in shipbuilding. There was a growing distinction between the master builder, who drew the lines, and so designed the ship, and the carpenters who formed the wood according to his directions. Once established, the design of the full-rigged ship was far from static. Shipbuilders experimented with variations and explored the potential of the new design. The diffusion of new techniques was often slow. The durability of older types of construction features continued. Ship-building was typically conservative, given the high cost of error, so shipbuilders were often reluctant to adopt new methods. Old designs and types persisted for centuries, especially in smaller craft and riverboats. New composite or bastard types appeared when builders tried to exploit some of the advantages from the new improvements without giving up what they knew.
But the call of the Mo’r Triath had been heard... Stornoway, once a secluded harbor, ignored by the world’s stage, now was a vibrant shipbuilding facility with four slips for building ships. Plus the enhancement of navigation techniques, as well as the demand for ships capable of operating safely in the open ocean, led to the documentation of design and construction practice in what had previously been a secretive trade, and ultimately the field of naval architecture.
Traditionally the navy embraced a defensive strategy with an emphasis on commerce raiding and coastal protection. After twenty years of rapid decline into obsolescence following the Bruce’s rise to power, the Mo’r Triath put out the call to better his fleet. Now with the sudden rise in concern, the navy is in the process of re-equipping itself with warships of a modern design... capable of competing with the world’s stage.
HARRIS
Harris, ( Na Hearadh ), is the southern and more mountainous part of Lewis and Harris, the largest island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Although not an island itself, Harris is often referred to as the Isle of Harris.
Amhuinnsuidhe Castle, (pronounced Aven-suey) is Gaelic for “sitting by the river”; the castle overlooks a fast flowing river which cascades over rocky waterfalls down to the sea. This stunning and beautifully baronial Castle, within a 55,000 acre estate, houses the Island Guard.
Flag waving was just the beginning. Public rallies, replete with Gryphon flags of black and gold, patriotic airs, parades and orations by eminent townspeople, were held at the Amhuinnsuidhe Castle. Students at the Polpis School of Shipbuilders ceremoniously raised the Gryphon flag while children and parents alike cheered the cause of Lord Aberdeen. The temper of the times was such that it was not necessary to schedule a rally for one to take place. When merchant Glennon MacLeod raised the national ensign from his store, a crowd quickly gathered and the highly esteemed Harpers hurriedly assembled and performed "national airs" without charge.
Yet, lurking just below the facade of speeches, music, and patriotic display was an anxiety verging on hysteria. The People of Eilean Leòdhas agus na Hearadh shared the conviction that the island would soon be invaded by privateers from both France and Spain. A frightened board of clansmen voted unanimously to send a heartfelt plea to the Mo’r Triath requesting a Navy warship to cruise the coast and protect the island from the hostile vessels of those in rebellion to the Gryphon.
There is no record of the Mo’r Triath's response, but citizens didn't wait for help from Turas Lan. Less than two weeks after the plea was issued, a number of island men of military age banded together and formed an armed militia - an organization that was unthinkable just days earlier.
Eilean Leòdhas agus na Hearadh had never had a militia. The island managed to avoid the wars previous by being a duchy of the Norsemen. During the Mo’r Triath’s war for independence, the island's population pursued a self-preserving policy of neutrality consistent with pacifist values. Even attacks by English pirates did not compromise Eilean Leòdhas agus na Hearadh's neutral stand.
Faced with the specter of bloodthirsty privateers lurking just beyond the horizon, the people of Eilean Leòdhas agus na Hearadh lost no time in sanctioning the martial bent of the island's young men. Specially convened Town Meetings appropriated funds to outfit and arm the fledgling militia, now officially designated the Island Guard. Included in the budget was an amount sufficient to purchase two bronze cannon with accoutrements to serve as shore batteries to protect the island harbors and the shipbuilding facilities at Stornoway in the event of a seaborne invasion.
Shortly after the Town Meeting approved the expenditures, a hundred crossbows and a stock of bolts were delivered for the use of the Guard. Private subscriptions paid for their armour and colors. But there were those clansmen reluctant to leave the defense of the island exclusively to the all-male Guard. One letter to the island’s leaders suggested that the threat of "tyrannical invasion" required not only that ". . . every man should have his crossbow..., but that . . . even the ladies should be provided with light bows."
At its peak in the winter of 1332, the Island Guard numbered about one hundred ten citizen-soldiers. Drills in the manual of arms and close-order marching were an almost daily occurrence, many of which took place right on the main avenue of the castle.
The co-commander of the Island Guard, stated that the two cannon, the town had purchased ". . . would be of little use were a boat's crew of pirates to land in the night or on most parts of our shores." But he assured his constituents that there was no cause for alarm, as ". . . the Home Guard would easily dispose of such visitors in a summary manner."
If calming islanders' fears by showing the flag was an important part of the Guard's mission, the record shows that they perform splendidly. Dressed in their new uniforms, they march through town in the morning, performing exercises in target shooting at the grounds outside the Castle that afternoon, and sponsored a soiree in the Grand Hall in the evening at least once a week. [/color]
LEWIS
Lewis, ( Leòdhas ), is, in general, the lower lying part of Lewis and Harris, with the other part, Harris, being more mountainous. The flatter, more fertile land of Lewis contains the largest town, Stornoway, and three-quarters of the population of the Isles. Beyond human habitation, the island's diverse habitats are home to an assortment of flora and fauna, such as the golden eagle, red deer and seals.
The Butt of Lewis, Rubha Robhanais is in the area of Ness (Gaelic: Nis) is the northernmost part of the Isle of Lewis, a bustling community consisting of about 16 villages, including Lionel, Habost, Swainbost, Cross, North and South Dell, Cross Skigersta, Skigersta, Eoradale, Adabrock, Port of Ness, Knockaird, Fivepenny and Eoropie. It is the most north-westerly community. It is the northernmost point of the Isle of Lewis. It is the location for King Adam’s first lighthouse built in the Gaelic Nations. It is also the foremost makers of sails of all kinds.
The Callanish Stones, (Clachan Chalanais or Tursachan Chalanais in Gaelic), are situated near the village of Callanish on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis. Local tradition says that giants who lived on the island refused to be converted to Christianity by Saint Kieran and were turned into stone as a punishment. Another local belief says that at sunrise on midsummer morning, the "shining one" walked along the stone avenue, "his arrival heralded by the cuckoo's call." Running north from the stone circle are two parallel lines of stones forming an avenue about 80 meters long. There are 19 stones in the avenue (with the possibility that some have been removed during farming of the surrounding land). Also running from the circle are single lines of stones to the east (4 stones), west (4) and south (6). If we take the stones at Callanish to be site 1 there are a further 11 sites of standing stones in the immediate area.
Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis, was originally a Viking settlement and developed around its well sheltered natural harbor. Reflecting this, the name Stornoway itself is derived from 'Stjornavagr', an Old Norse word for 'steering bay'. Development of the town was spurred by the construction of the castle by the MacNicol family, themselves of Viking descent. Infighting between rival clans continued until Robert the Bruce brought it under control of Scotland. Now Under the Griffin reign, furthered by King Adam I, Stornoway has become a world leader in shipbuilding naval warships and cargo vessels, with 4 separate slips to build ships. The new road connecting the city with the Ness community enables sails to be delivered effortlessly to the builders.
Stornoway Shipbuilding
The shipbuilding industry in Imperial China reached its height during the 12th century. The establishment of China's first official standing navy in 1132 AD and the enormous increase in maritime trade abroad allowed the shipbuilding industry to thrive like never before. Some of the largest seaports in the world existed in China during this era. In the Islamic world, shipbuilding at Basra and Alexandria, the Dhow, Felucca, Baghlah and the Sambuk, became symbols of successful maritime trade, from the ports of East Africa to Southeast Asia and the ports of Sindh and Hind (India) in later period. Viking longships developed from an alternate tradition of clinker-built hulls fastened with leather thongs. Sometime around the 12th century, northern European ships began to be built with a straight sternpost, enabling the mounting of a rudder, which was much more durable than a steering oar held over the side. Development favored "round ships", with a broad beam and heavily curved at both ends. The shipbuilding industry across the world progressed. China was home to some of the biggest seaports of the world, including Quanzhou and Guangzhou.
The introduction of cannons onto ships, by the Mo’r Triath of Skye, encouraged the development of tumblehome, the inward slant of the above-water hull, for additional stability, as well as techniques for strengthening the internal frame. Even so, construction techniques changed only very gradually; the ships of the old Griffin Fleet were internally very similar to those of the English Fleet twenty years earlier.
But after the Griffin War of Independence, revolutionary change in the design and construction of seagoing sailing ships occurred. The call of Gaelic Renaissance by the Protector of Skye and Scotland, the Mo’r Triath, in 1330 brought engineers, scientists, and shipbuilders from all around the world. The two established European shipbuilding traditions, one Mediterranean and the other northern, merged in the production of the full-rigged ship. From the north the rounded tubby hull form of the cog, the sternpost rudder, and the large square sail for driving the ship were combined with the abutting or carvel hull planking and the lateen sail of the south. Full-rigged ships carried three masts with a large square sail on the mainmast, a triangular lateen sail on the mizzen, and a small square sail on the foremast to balance the lateen at the stern. The square sails provided power while the lateen made the ship more maneuverable. Relying on the internal frame for strength—necessary if the hull planks did not overlap but instead abutted one another—made for lower initial construction costs, though such a hull required more repair and maintenance.
The change in construction also meant a change in the organization of work in shipbuilding. There was a growing distinction between the master builder, who drew the lines, and so designed the ship, and the carpenters who formed the wood according to his directions. Once established, the design of the full-rigged ship was far from static. Shipbuilders experimented with variations and explored the potential of the new design. The diffusion of new techniques was often slow. The durability of older types of construction features continued. Ship-building was typically conservative, given the high cost of error, so shipbuilders were often reluctant to adopt new methods. Old designs and types persisted for centuries, especially in smaller craft and riverboats. New composite or bastard types appeared when builders tried to exploit some of the advantages from the new improvements without giving up what they knew.
But the call of the Mo’r Triath had been heard... Stornoway, once a secluded harbor, ignored by the world’s stage, now was a vibrant shipbuilding facility with four slips for building ships. Plus the enhancement of navigation techniques, as well as the demand for ships capable of operating safely in the open ocean, led to the documentation of design and construction practice in what had previously been a secretive trade, and ultimately the field of naval architecture.
Traditionally the navy embraced a defensive strategy with an emphasis on commerce raiding and coastal protection. After twenty years of rapid decline into obsolescence following the Bruce’s rise to power, the Mo’r Triath put out the call to better his fleet. Now with the sudden rise in concern, the navy is in the process of re-equipping itself with warships of a modern design... capable of competing with the world’s stage.
HARRIS
Harris, ( Na Hearadh ), is the southern and more mountainous part of Lewis and Harris, the largest island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Although not an island itself, Harris is often referred to as the Isle of Harris.
Amhuinnsuidhe Castle, (pronounced Aven-suey) is Gaelic for “sitting by the river”; the castle overlooks a fast flowing river which cascades over rocky waterfalls down to the sea. This stunning and beautifully baronial Castle, within a 55,000 acre estate, houses the Island Guard.
Flag waving was just the beginning. Public rallies, replete with Gryphon flags of black and gold, patriotic airs, parades and orations by eminent townspeople, were held at the Amhuinnsuidhe Castle. Students at the Polpis School of Shipbuilders ceremoniously raised the Gryphon flag while children and parents alike cheered the cause of Lord Aberdeen. The temper of the times was such that it was not necessary to schedule a rally for one to take place. When merchant Glennon MacLeod raised the national ensign from his store, a crowd quickly gathered and the highly esteemed Harpers hurriedly assembled and performed "national airs" without charge.
Yet, lurking just below the facade of speeches, music, and patriotic display was an anxiety verging on hysteria. The People of Eilean Leòdhas agus na Hearadh shared the conviction that the island would soon be invaded by privateers from both France and Spain. A frightened board of clansmen voted unanimously to send a heartfelt plea to the Mo’r Triath requesting a Navy warship to cruise the coast and protect the island from the hostile vessels of those in rebellion to the Gryphon.
There is no record of the Mo’r Triath's response, but citizens didn't wait for help from Turas Lan. Less than two weeks after the plea was issued, a number of island men of military age banded together and formed an armed militia - an organization that was unthinkable just days earlier.
Eilean Leòdhas agus na Hearadh had never had a militia. The island managed to avoid the wars previous by being a duchy of the Norsemen. During the Mo’r Triath’s war for independence, the island's population pursued a self-preserving policy of neutrality consistent with pacifist values. Even attacks by English pirates did not compromise Eilean Leòdhas agus na Hearadh's neutral stand.
Faced with the specter of bloodthirsty privateers lurking just beyond the horizon, the people of Eilean Leòdhas agus na Hearadh lost no time in sanctioning the martial bent of the island's young men. Specially convened Town Meetings appropriated funds to outfit and arm the fledgling militia, now officially designated the Island Guard. Included in the budget was an amount sufficient to purchase two bronze cannon with accoutrements to serve as shore batteries to protect the island harbors and the shipbuilding facilities at Stornoway in the event of a seaborne invasion.
Shortly after the Town Meeting approved the expenditures, a hundred crossbows and a stock of bolts were delivered for the use of the Guard. Private subscriptions paid for their armour and colors. But there were those clansmen reluctant to leave the defense of the island exclusively to the all-male Guard. One letter to the island’s leaders suggested that the threat of "tyrannical invasion" required not only that ". . . every man should have his crossbow..., but that . . . even the ladies should be provided with light bows."
At its peak in the winter of 1332, the Island Guard numbered about one hundred ten citizen-soldiers. Drills in the manual of arms and close-order marching were an almost daily occurrence, many of which took place right on the main avenue of the castle.
The co-commander of the Island Guard, stated that the two cannon, the town had purchased ". . . would be of little use were a boat's crew of pirates to land in the night or on most parts of our shores." But he assured his constituents that there was no cause for alarm, as ". . . the Home Guard would easily dispose of such visitors in a summary manner."
If calming islanders' fears by showing the flag was an important part of the Guard's mission, the record shows that they perform splendidly. Dressed in their new uniforms, they march through town in the morning, performing exercises in target shooting at the grounds outside the Castle that afternoon, and sponsored a soiree in the Grand Hall in the evening at least once a week. [/color]
