Islands Book Trust

05/08/2026

The Islands Book Trust is pleased to offer a preview of an important forthcoming publication, St Kilda Transformed, a new annotated and illustrated edition of An Episode in the Life of the Rev. Neil Mackenzie at St Kilda (1911).

This rare work, originally published in 1911, provides one of the few first-hand accounts of life on St Kilda from someone who lived on the island during the early nineteenth century. The new edition, prepared by Philippe Laplace, combines the original text with a scholarly introduction, detailed annotations and historic illustrations, making this significant work accessible to a new generation of readers.

The book will be launched in partnership with the St Kilda Club Annual Reunion at Edinburgh Zoo on Saturday 21 November, before becoming available through the Islands Book Trust.

We look forward to sharing this remarkable publication and celebrating another important contribution to the history of Scotland's islands.

05/08/2026

Discover one of the enduring mysteries of the Outer Hebrides with the Islands Book Trust at The Possible Source of the Callanish Stones, a fascinating talk by Ian McHardy.

Taking place at Breasclete Community Centre, this event will explore the possible origins of the iconic Callanish Stones before continuing with a guided visit to a potential quarry site, offering a unique opportunity to consider how these remarkable monuments may have begun their journey thousands of years ago.

This free event forms part of the Doors Open Days programme. Booking is not required, and donations to the Islands Book Trust are welcome.

We look forward to seeing you there.

05/08/2026

Join the Islands Book Trust and Iain Mackenzie for a guided visit to the historic ruins of Suardal (Swordale).

Beginning with an introductory talk, the day will explore the history of this once-thriving settlement before travelling by boat to visit the site itself. From early parish history to local tradition, this promises to be a fascinating journey into one of Lewis's lesser-known historic landscapes.

Advance booking is required, and places are limited.

04/08/2026

The Islands Book Trust is delighted to announce the forthcoming publication of Thirty Years of Adventures in Search of the Past: Volume 2 – Skye & the Small Isles, including Raasay, Rona and the Isles of Gavin Maxwell by Marc Calhoun.

Drawing on more than three decades of exploration and research, Marc's latest book uncovers the hidden histories of Skye and its neighbouring islands, taking readers beyond the familiar landmarks to the abandoned settlements, forgotten communities and remarkable landscapes that have shaped island life.

Richly illustrated with the author's own photography, this companion volume to his acclaimed work on the Outer Hebrides is an essential read for anyone with an interest in Scotland's island heritage.

Join us for the book launch at Portree Library on Thursday 20 August at 6.00pm, where we will celebrate the publication with Marc and hear more about the extraordinary journeys behind the book.

We look forward to welcoming you.

04/08/2026

We had a fantastic day exploring the beautiful island of Scarp with Calum John Mackay, whose memories and stories brought the island's history vividly to life.

Travelling across from Hushinish, participants spent the day discovering the former village, visiting the cemetery, and experiencing one of the Hebrides' most remarkable island landscapes. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it such an enjoyable and memorable outing, and a special thank you to Calum for sharing his knowledge and personal connection to Scarp.

We hope these photographs capture just a little of what made the day so special.

03/08/2026

03/08/2026

WE'RE HIRING | MANAGER (PART TIME)
Are you passionate about Scottish islands, books, heritage and community?

The Islands Book Trust is looking for a part-time Manager (2.5 days per week) to lead our small team, oversee our publications and events programme, and help deliver the exciting Scottish Islands Heritage and Skills Network project.

This is an opportunity to play a leading role in celebrating, preserving and promoting the history, literature and culture of Scotland's islands while helping shape the future of one of the country's most distinctive cultural organisations.

Salary: £41,000 FTE (pro rata), plus employer pension contribution.

Location: Kinloch Community Hub, Ballallan, Isle of Lewis (with some home working by agreement).

Contract: Until April 2029, with the possibility of extension.
Closing date: 6pm, Friday 7th August

For full details and application information, please see the recruitment pack below or visit our website.
We'd be grateful if you could share this opportunity with anyone who may be interested.

30/07/2026

Step back into the history of Suardal.

Join historian Iain Mackenzie for a unique guided visit to the abandoned settlement of Suardal (Swordale), an area rich in Lewis history, archaeology and folklore.

Learn about the first Presbyterian Parish Church of Lochs, founded in 1724, hear the story of the infamous Napoleonic-era press gang, and discover the remains of a church, manse and farm that still survive in this remarkable landscape.

The day begins with a short introductory talk before travelling by boat to explore the site.

Saturday 15 August
Meet: Keose MOWI Erisort Shore Base at 11.00am
Booking: £10 IBT Members £20 Non-members

Advance booking is essential: 📧 [email protected]

We look forward to welcoming you for a fascinating journey into one of Lewis's hidden historic landscapes.

23/07/2026

Discover the remarkable island of Scarp with the Islands Book Trust on this special guided boat trip.

Led by Calum John Mackay, who grew up on the island, the visit will include time to explore the former village and cemetery while learning about the history of one of the Outer Hebrides' most fascinating island communities.

Places are limited and advance booking is essential. We hope you'll join us for a memorable day exploring Scarp.

21/07/2026

The Islands Book Trust Talk, Trip and exploration of the documentary history of Ness with From McBref to Morrison: Documentary Sources for the Brieves of Ness c.1500–1723.

The talk took place last Saturday at Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, Cross, exploring the people, places and records that help tell the story of Ness through the centuries.

The event was followed by a visit to local historic sites, offering the opportunity to connect the documentary evidence with the landscape itself.