At his early death in 1836 Mr. Donald Gregory, whose History of the Western Highlands and Isles of Scotland still remains the standard work on the subject, left behind him a considerable body of MSS. These contain the results of his researches in the public records and in various private charter chests to which he had access and also include transcripts of various family histories which had been placed at his disposal. Although utilised for his history, these materials are in themselves of great interest and value.

After Mr. Gregory's death these MS. Collections were acquired by the Society of Antiquaries, by whose kindness they have been made available for the purpose of printing such portions as might seem desirable. The present volume is largely drawn from these Collections, though it also contains documents derived from other sources. Its purpose is the modest one of making available to the Society, and through it to all interested in Highland History, some of the original material and recorded tradition on which knowledge of that history must be largely based; but a certain limited amount of annotation and comment has been found necessary.

It is hoped that further Highland Papers may be issued later.