Among the treasures of Scotland’s medieval history lies the remarkable charter of Christina of the Isles, dating back to around 1314. This document stands as one of the earliest records of a woman independently owning land in Scotland – a rare testament to female agency in a time when such autonomy was scarcely acknowledged. Preserved in the Hill Collection within the Royal Faculty Library, this charter is nestled among a rich array of charters, letters, and manuscripts that weave the historical tapestry of Glasgow.

Christina mac Ruaidhrí, a formidable ally of Robert the Bruce, played a pivotal role in the Bruce lineage’s ascension to the Scottish throne. The charter was crafted to assert Christina and her descendants as the rightful heirs to her father’s titles and lands, which included Moidart, Arisaig, Morar, and the islands of Eigg and Rhum.

Ailean mac Ruaidhrí, Christina’s father, left behind a complex legacy. Though Christina was his only legitimate child, he had two illegitimate sons. In medieval Scotland, legitimacy was not always the sole criterion for inheritance. Following Ailean’s death, the lands initially passed to Christina’s half-brother, Ruaidhrí. However, Ruaidhrí’s untimely death left his young son, Ranald, as heir, providing Christina with an opening to reclaim her birthright.

Christina granted these lands to Artúr Caimbéal, a close ally of Robert the Bruce. The charter’s witness list, bearing the king’s approval, underscored its strategic importance. It has been speculated that Christina and Artúr might have planned to marry, although this union never materialised. In exchange for the lands, Artúr was tasked with furnishing a boat and crew for the king’s army, thereby fortifying royal control over this crucial region.

This was not the only instance where Christina provided support for Robert I. After his defeat at the battle of Tyndrum, Robert went into hiding for a year, and when he returned to Carrick, he was given aid by Christina.

Through this charter and her enduring loyalty, Christina of the Isles carved her place in the annals of Scottish history, standing as a beacon of strength and strategic acumen in an era dominated by patriarchal norms.