Book of Deer

Date: Early tenth century(?)

Place of Production: Lowland Scotland(?)

Description: The Book of Deer/Leabhar Dhèir is a Gospel Book written in Latin, and was produced in the tenth century, perhaps in the Scottish lowlands: it is the earliest manuscript to survive that was made in Scotland. In the twelfth century, annotators from the monastery at Deer in Aberdeenshire added to it commentary in Latin, Middle Irish and Scottish Gaelic. It therefore preserves the earliest writing in Scottish Gaelic that survives. Designed for personal use, it is only 15cm tall and just over 10cm wide.

Held at: Cambridge University Library, MS Ii.6.32 (freely browsable)