The sixteenth century was the great age of the Highland clans. This history begins in 1493, when the Lord of the Isles lost his authority as a virtually independent ruler of the Hebrides and West Coast of Scotland. The next century saw struggles for land between neighboring clans and struggles for power between clan leaders and the King. Finally, when King James VI of Scotland assumed the English throne in 1603, he was able to consolidate his position as the undisputed central authority. The text includes an introduction that summarizes the period of the Picts, the Scots, and the Norse in the Scottish highlands and islands. Donald Gregory (December 25, 1803-October 21, 1836) was a lawyer, secretary to the Antiquarian Society of Scotland, and secretary to the Iona Club. His work is characterized by meticulous documentation of sources and a great love for Scotland.