Hebridean Healers
The Beatons of Mull
Written by Christine Leach , Andrea Cameron , Miek Zwamborn , Elizabeth Carter
£14.99
- Paperback
- E-Book
Local history
Reviews
a colourful book that brings an arcane aspect of Highland history to life
West Highland Notes and Queries
About the Book
The discovery of a long-forgotten physic garden and the restoration of an old weathered Celtic cross on a coastal headland on the beautiful Scottish island of Mull led the authors of this book on a fascinating voyage into the history of one branch of a famous medical family – the Beatons.
The story explores the Beatons’ arrival from Ireland in the early 12th century, when they joined the court of what was to become the Lords of the Isles. Trained in the classical Gaelic tradition, over the years their expertise led them to minister to Lords, Lairds and Kings of Scotland. At some point, one of the Beaton physicians came over to Mull in the entourage of chiefs of the Maclean clan and subsequently was awarded land – at Pennycross in the south of the island.
This book looks at the contemporary historical setting, the type of medicine practised by the Beatons, the use they made of herbal treatments (a use which has not disappeared to the present day) and the almost unbelievable survival of Gaelic manuscripts from their library.
The Authors
Christine Leach
Christine Leach moved to Mull more than 30 years ago to work at the YMCA Outdoor Centre at Tavool. She established Pennyghael in the Past Historical Archive, and with a group of like-minded enthusiasts, set about exploring and recording the remains of townships in the Brolas area.
Andrea Cameron
Andrea Cameron is an Archivist and Local Historian. She has worked in Local Authority and Private archives in Northumberland and completed local history projects in both Northumberland and the Isle of Mull.
Miek Zwamborn
Miek Zwamborn is a Dutch author and visual artist based on Mull where she co-runs the creative hub KNOCKvologan and is involved in the re-wilding project Tireragan. She has published novels, poetry pamphlets and many art books.
Elizabeth Carter
Elizabeth Carter has been gardener at Bolton Castle, Yorkshire, since 2015 where she has replanted the herb garden, now containing over 100 species of plants. She is also a complementary therapist and advanced practitioner using Bach Flower Remedies.
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