The Northern Isles became a full part of Scotland in the early 15th, or late 14th century, after Norway had them, but the Lordship of the Isles were effectively independent until 1493. They were the Western Isles, though. The were originally taken over by Scots, then the Vikings came, then Somerled led a rebellion of Scots against them, and the Clan Donald was later established, ruling over the Isles with the Council of the Isles. It was an amalgam of viking and celtic culture, but mainly celtic. they spoke gaelic, and such things.