The Callicvol Collection

This collection is owned by Michael Robson, a founder of the Book trust, and is available for public reference at 10 Callicvol, Port of Ness, Lewis, HS2 0XA by appointment (phone 01851 810681).

The collection falls into three main categories:

• Highlands and Islands
• Borders
• General Scottish historical and related material

In addition, there are books and articles on Irish and Nordic subjects. The total number of books is around 5,000, the majority of which are on the Highlands and Islands. These are mainly in English, but there are also Gaelic items. The subject matter includes tours, natural history, churches and religion, folklore, guides, clan histories, government reports, placenames, rural development, music and song. Many items are extremely rare.

Donald MacCormick, the leading authority on Scottish antiquarian books, has described the collection as "a most impressive achievement, the best collection in this field put together by an individual which I have seen. It is truly remarkable that this unique asset, built over many years, has been located in Ness in the island of Lewis, and is being made available to the public".