The Lordship of the Isles was a semi-autonomous region in the west of Scotland, established in the 12th century. It was ruled by the MacDonald clan and included the Hebrides and parts of the mainland. The lordship played a significant role in the politics and culture of medieval Scotland, often acting independently from the Scottish crown. In 1493, the lordship was formally annexed by the Scottish crown under King James IV. This marked the end of the MacDonald’s power as lords, leading to increased centralization of authority in Scotland. The legacy of the Lordship continues to influence Scottish history and identity.