Applecross in maps
1. 16th Century
c 1540
This map is the earliest existing map to show the area around Applecross in any detail. It was published in Paris in 1583, but the title indicates that it is a copy of one produced by that ‘excellent pilote Ecossais’, Alexander Lyndsay, who guided King James V of Scotland’s voyage round the country in 1540. It names capes, firths and ports, but has no inland features except the names of districts.
Applecross is, unfortunately, not marked, but some neighbouring places are. For example, Scalpay, and Rona (described by the Dean of the Isles in 1549 as a haven for ‘thieves, ruggaris and reevaris till await upon the pailing and spuilzeing of poor mens geir’ ie ‘for thieves, robbers and reivers to wait to rob and plunder poor men’s possessions’) which are both opposite Applecross.
‘L Kesard’ is probably Loch Kishorn, and ‘Strone’ is Strome.
‘L Hen’ is a bit more obscure but must be Loch Torridon. ‘Willertoune’ must be in Gairloch because the description of the expedition mentions ‘Gairloch or Loch Ultertown’ – perhaps Charlestown?
Mercator
In 1595 the Dutch map-maker Gerhard Mercator produced a new outline of Scotland. It is not known for certain where he got the information for his map from, but it has been suggested that it is derived from original work by the Scotsman John Elder in the mid-16th century. Elder was for a time tutor to Mary Queen of Scots' husband, and a Catholic. He visited the continent in the 1550s and later supplied Mercator with his maps, apparently in the hope of aiding a Catholic invasion force.
Mercator 1595
Scalpa(y) is still marked, Rona has become ‘Ellan Ronan’ and Raasay has appeared, named ‘Rona za’. Two places are marked on the Applecross peninsula – ‘Dunra’ and ‘Toir’. ‘Dunra’ obviously refers to the ‘dun’ at the campsite, still remembered in ‘Cul an dun’. ‘Toir’ looks most likely to be Toscaig. ‘Brint Ellan’ (burnt islands – possibly referring to the practice of periodic burning to provide new growth for grazing) seems to refer to the Crowlin Islands. Loch Kishorn is ‘L Resart’ and Strome has become ‘Strom ca[stle]’. ‘Willertoune’ has become ‘Allar town’. ‘Culk’ may be Kalnakill, although it is placed too far north.