Birlinn

The Birlinn was a wooden vessel propelled by sail and oar, employed by the tribes of the north and for the most part western shores where timber is found in greater abundance. The name brilinn finds its meaning in 'ship of boards' distinguishing it from the curragh that typically has a hull made of skins. It is employed as a naval sturdy naval vessel  and a type of cargo vessel more suited to carrying goods than the skin hull of the curragh. 

the size and construction of Birlinn can differ from region to region, generally they are clinker-built with boards of oak secured with thick nails made of non ferrous bog iron to prevent rust. sporting a single mast with a square sail Traditionally the common practice is  to make sails of tough, thick-threaded wool, with ropes being made of moss-fir or heather. sails are more often than not sewn out of many small squares if not the are made of leather. testament to its versatility The brillinn could be powered by sail or oars, smaller vessels of this type might have had as few as twelve oars, with the larger boats having as many as forty, when rowed the Brilinn is distinguished by its speed, and can often evade would be pursuers as a result. It is highly desired boat among raiders due to its low draft it can be sailed up waterways and landed on beaches with speed and ease. 

The Brillin is the favoured boat for long sea jounreys, its versatile design affords it the ability to cope with the rigours of the boundless sea, its characteristic high bow and stern cut through even the most turgid of waters and its buoyant hull make it suited to carrying heavy cargo or transport man men. For these reasons the brilinn is a common sight on all the waters of Caledonia, the tribes of the islands measure their wealth not in cattle but in how many brillins a clan can put to sea, such is the prestige afforded to these vessels that those clans who have the skills of the shipwrights in their ranks have rose to prominence through the commission and sale of these vessels to others.