The Skerries are a group of small islands off Portrush. Tradition says a pirate named Tavish Dhu lived there. Tavish is the Scottish form of Thomas, and chronicles call him Thomas Dunn or Dun, with the dhu meaning black, as in Black Tom. His fleet raided English shipping in the Irish Sea and also acted as a navy for the Scots, ferrying Edward Bruce's invasion force from Ayr to Larne in May 1315.
He is said to have died in his ship and been buried, and the place of his grave is unknown. The legend says he buried treasure on one of the Skerries, and the easternmost island is called Island Dhu, probably after him. Portrush now claims him and holds a pirate festival in his honour.
The treasure is only a legend, though the history of Thomas Dun is partly documented.
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