Pre- reformation Scotland has not been a frequent subject of scholarship and Lismore has shared this neglect. Until now. With Monks and Bishops a great chunk of Lismore’s history is brought to light thanks to Dr Robert Hay’s scholarship and his pursuit of the archaeological evidence. The book ranges from 560 to 1560; an historical sweep of vital importance and great interest.
Monks and Bishops by Robert Hay 2025
As Robert writes: The Isle of Lismore has a long reputation as a holy island, beginning with the foundation of a monastery by St Moluag in the sixth century, when it became a major centre of Christianity. The Roman Catholic Bishopric of Argyll was founded on Lismore in 1200, and the medieval Cathedral Church of St Moluag was completed in 1400, the choir of which forms the basis of the present-day parish church.
Monks and Bishops was launched on 31 May 2025 at Waterstone’s in Oban and is a great addition to Lismore’s recorded history. It follows publication of Robert’s previous books The Great Garden in 2009, and How an Island Lost its People in 2013. The latter deals with the ” Improvement, Clearance and Resettlement on Lismore, 1830-1914″ . and the former highlights the important part the island has played in the prehistory and early history of the West Highlands and Islands.
Robert Hay Lismore – the Great Garden
Robert Hay – How an Island Lost its People
Robert also pays tribute to an earlier book Clerics and Clansmen – The diocese of Argyll between the 12 and 16 century by Dr Iain MacDonald. https://www.lismoregaelicheritagecentre.org/the-later-medieval-bishops-of-lismore/.
All 3 books are available in the Heritage Centre on Lismore as well as stores nationwide and much of Robert’s other contributions to island life can be read at https://www.lismoregaelicheritagecentre.org/
A review of this book will appear in due course.