The Kingdom of MacBrayne

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Today, the shipowner David MacBrayne (1817-1907) is just as well-known as Samuel Cunard. Red-funnelled ships which bear his name continue to operate in the West Highlands a century after his death. The Kingdom of MacBrayne tells the story of David MacBrayne, his ships and his company, his predecessors, rivals and successors.  It explores the world of the early steamships, their successes and failures, as well as their contribution to the ever-changing social fabric of the Highlands and Islands.  Emigrants, tourists, ordinary travellers and crew members, from engineers to pursers, speak of the ships and their impact on their world. 

The Kingdom of MacBrayne is lavishly illustrated with drawings, paintings and photographs in black-and-white and colour, most of them shown here for the first time.  Featuring the work of artists and model-makers, as well as advertisements and brochures, it examines, by word and image, the whole ‘MacBrayne phenomenon’, from the iconic, sword-bearing Highlander on ships’ figureheads to Katie Morag in Struay.