Most of the ancient ecclesiastical structures of the West Highlands and Islands, and also those of Orkney and Shetland, being of a special and somewhat indefinite, although very interesting, character, are treated separately, before the main subject of the work is entered on. In connection with the churches of Orkney and Shetland, the authors have to express their obligation to Sir HENRY E. L. DRYDEN for his kindness in allowing his drawings and descriptions of these buildings to be incorporated in this work. They have also to thank the COUNCIL of the SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES OF SCOTLAND, with whom these drawings and descriptions are deposited, for their permission to use them. The descriptions of the churches of the Highlands and Islands are, as stated in the book, chiefly abstracted from the late Mr. T. S. MUIR’S interesting volumes. The authors further take this opportunity of returning their sincere thanks to the many friends and well-wishers who have rendered them assistance in their labours. The names of many of these gentlemen are mentioned in connection with a number of the different structures. They would also express their indebtedness to all those whose permission was necessary to enable them to visit and make drawings of public and private buildings, which permission was invariably freely given. They have specially to acknowledge their indebtedness to Dr. JOSEPH ANDERSON, of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, for his goodness in revising the portion of the work dealing with Celtic Art; to Mr. T. S. ROBERTSON, Architect, Dundee, and Mr. WILLIAM GALLOWAY, Architect, Wigton, for their assistance in supplying drawings, and otherwise; and to Dr. DICKSON, late of the Register House, Edinburgh, for valuable aid in many ways. EDINBURGH, _January 1896_. CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION.