The Arts - Na h-Ealain

The Islands Book Trust - Urras Leabhraichean nan Eilean

A unique collection of 2500 books on Scottish, Irish and Nordic subjects which has been built up over the past 50 years is now available to the public for reference by its owner. Michael Robson. This collection is located on a croft at Callicvol, Port of Ness, which lies in the north of the Isle of Lewis. Many of the books are extremely rare and some 1800 of them cover aspects of life in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. The remainder relates to the Scottish Borders and to general Scottish, Irish and Nordic subjects.

The Islands Book Trust (Urras Leabhraichean Nan Eilean) aims to extend appreciation of the value of the Callicvol collection for the purposes of historical interest, education and research through an extensive programme of talks, exhibitions and seminars. A particular focus will be on comparative studies of the Western Isles and other parts of the Celtic and Nordic world.

The Islands Book Trust chairman is John Randall, the Registrar General for Scotland. Away from his responsibilities for maintaining the current and historical records of Scottish births, deaths and marriages, John is an expert on the antiquarian book scene.

Ness is one of the largest Gaelic-speaking communities in Scotland and 10 Callicvol, Port of Ness has for the last eight years been home to Michael Robson, the collection's founder. Michael is an author who has written extensively on the Borders and Highlands and Islands. His collection has been meticulously assembled over the last 50 years:

The Callicvol collection is an important resource for academics and students, and also fascinating material for anyone with an interest in history. For more information on the collection, events and joining the Trust, see www.theislandsbooktrust.com.