MacCrimmon

HISTORY OF CLAN MAC CRIMMON PART ONE
by George C.B. Poulter 1938

Click here for the printable version of Book Two 1938


Written by G.C.B. Poulter 1938

Mrs. W.R MacDonald writes, that her mother, a great-granddaughter of lain Dubh had, in addition to the Cremona legend, a tradition that one of the MacCrimmon pipers had prophesied in a lament that the direct male heirs in both the MacLeod of Dunvegan family and his own would die out, but the MacAskills would multiply. Today the daughter of the late chief of the MacLeods reigns at Dunvegan Castle, the direct male descendants of lain Dubh by his MacAskill wife appear to have died out, while the MacAskills are increasingly prolific. The MacLeods of Tallisker, whose salute was composed by a MacCrimmon, still survive in the direct male line.

Dr. H.H. MacKenzie of Edinburgh possesses a letter sent to his great-grandfather John Tolme of Uiginish by General Norman MacLeod of Gillen (Waternish) dated 13 Sept., l803, in which there is a brief reference to Iain Dubh, "I never was more surprised than the other day on receiving a joint letter from John MacCrimmon (late Borreraig) and his son claiming a debt of ten pounds I owed them on leaving the Country. The last time I was in Skye I recollect settling the payment with John McCrimmon but as all my papers are in London I cannot at this moment call to mind the manner which I managed it."

lain Dubh and his family are said by Simon Fraser to have been religious folk with broad and advanced views which brought them into conflict with the local ministers, who at that time were often narrow-minded and intolerant. Iain and his predecessors had composed verses for some of their piobaireachds and these are also alleged to have aroused the anger of the local ministers. Shortly before his death lain Dubh wrote a pamphlet on 'The Failure of Christianity,' which, according to Simon Fraser, so annoyed the clergy that they had a copy buried with him in his grave.

Iain Dubh died in Glendale in 1822 in his 92nd year, and was buried with his father in Kilmuir churchyard. By then his clan, at one time strong enough to provide a galley with sixty fighting men was "broken" and dispersed. Nothing now remains of the Borreraig College, of which Iain Dubh was the last principal, but two of the MacCrimmon bagpipes may be seen at Dunvegan Castle and one of them may still be played. Iain's chanter passed into the possession of his grandson, Duncan MacCrimmon, who disposed of it to some collector, possibly the late General Thomason. Colonel J. P. Grant thinks that it was probably an uillean chanter.

It is known that the MacCrimmons inserted a ring of metal of the thickness of a finger-nail and the breadth of the first joint of a thumb into the sole of the mouth of the chanter, in order to harden the notes, so that they would carry further through the hills and glens.

lain's first wife was a MAC ASKILL. Her family was of Norse origin, the name being derived from Asketill " the kettle (or vessel) of the Anses or gods." It is said that the progenitor of the MacAskills in Scotland had been obliged to leave Dublin on account of a feud which had arisen among claimants to an Irish kingdom, and in due course he settled in Skye on lands given to him by MacLeod. They had:

1. Captain DONALD MAC CRIMMON, who d.s.p. on a voyage from the West Indies.

2. PADRUIG MOR MAC CRIMMON of Duirinish, a piper at Dunvegan Castle and subsequently a piper in the 42nd Highlanders (Black Watch); served at an early age in the American War of Independence, and in the Peninsular War under Sir John Moore at the battle of Corunna. Padruig Mor was a man of great size and strength and at one time held the boxing championship of the British Army. In the streets of Glasgow he saved a small child from being run over by a horse-drawn coach, by rushing up and holding the back wheels of the carriage fast and firm until the child got clear. Later in life Padruig Mor settled at Cape Coast Castle, West Africa, where he died s.p.

3. MALCOLM MAC CRIMMON, married in Ardrossan and had issue:

4. ELIZABETH MAC CRIMMON, of whom it was recorded in 1838 that "she was able to go through the intricacies of a pibroch." MacKay describes her as "a worthy gentlewoman who keeps a school for females at Dunvegan." She married MAC KINNON, a cooper in Islay, and had issue : (l) MARY ANN, who m. MALCOLM MAC LEOD, ship master, of Lochmaddy, and had issue, and (2) EFFIE, who m. CHISHOLM, tacksman, of Gairinish, South Uist, and had issue.

5. JANET MAC CRIMMON, married in America to FERGUSON, and had an only daughter who lived in Greenock.

6. FLORA MAC CRIMMON, married MAC DONALD, tacksman, of Pein-a-Daorir, South Uist, factor for South Uist, a descendant of King Robert II of Scotland through the Earls of Ross and the Lords of the Isles. He was a half-brother of Balranald, and a great-grand-uncle of Captain J.A. Ranald MacDonald, now of Balranald. They had a son who succeeded to Pein-a-Daorir and married a daughter of the Rev. Roderick MAC LEAN, minister of South Uist, and had issue CHARLES and RODERICK, partners in the firm of C. & R. MacDonald, Glasgow.


7. MARION MAC CRIMMON, married and believed to have had issue.

8. CATHERINE MAC CRIMMON, married and believed to have had issue.

IAIN DUBH married 2ndly, in 1790, ANN (alive 1838), daughter of Alexander CAMPBELL, a descendant of King David I of Scotland through the Campbells of Barbreck. They had:

9. DUNCAN MAC CRIMMON. ( A Lieu. Duncan MacCrimmon or MacCrummen was gazetted ensign from volunteer in the 42nd Highlanders (Black Watch) on 5 Jan. 1814. His regiment had the distinction of leading the attack on the French redoubts at the battle of Toulouse on 10 April 1814. Out of the 500 men who went into action only ninety reached the objective - to which the bloodstained colour with broken staff was brought by a sergeant after three previous bearers, one of whom was MacCrimmon, had been killed). He married - - - MAC QUEEN, and had:

1a. JOHN MAC CRIMMON, who went to New Zealand.

2a. DONALD MAC CRIMMON, who went to America. Married --- MAC LEOD and had issue.

10. PETER MAC CRIMMON of Borreraig, crofter, died at Borreraig in 1879, buried at Dunvegan, married 1st ANN MAC DONALD of Trotternish, and had a daughter:

1a. ANNE MAC CRIMMON, b. at Borrraig, d. young.

He married 2ndly, MARGARET MORRISON and had:

2a. DUNCAN MAC CRIMMON, surfaceman, b. at Borreraig in 1837, d. at Ballindalloch c. 1911, married at the Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown, JESSIE, d. circa 1912, daughter of John and Grace GRANT, and had:

1b. MARGARET ANN MAC CRIMMON, m. at Rothiemurchus Church, JAMES MAC WILLIAM of Millburn Cottage, Avieniore, co. Inverness, wood carter, and has issue
MOLLY, b. 1899.

2b. MARY MAC CRIMMON, married in Edinburgh to JOHN MORRISON, of 10, Kenmore Avenue, Edinburgh, engine driver. No issue.

3b. JESSIE MAC CRIMMON, married at Grantown, JOHN MAC PHERSON of Glenelg, 27 Castle Road, Grantown, railway surfaceman, and had:
(1) MARGARET JANE, m. WALTER FRASER, grocer, and (2) MARY, m. JOHN ANDERSON of Stratford-on-Avon.

3a. ARCHIBALD MAC CRIMMON, railway employee, m. at Duthie, and had (1) MARGARET, d. 19--, m. - SCHONNLER of 9 Northcote Street, Edinburgh, (2) MAY and (3) KATE.

4a. JOHN MAC CRIMMON, kicked by a horse and died from his injuries at Inverness c. 1866. Married c. 1866.

5a. MALCOLM MAC CRIMMON, crofter, born at Borreraig 1845, died there 22 Feb. 1922, married at Kilmarnock, KATE, d. March 1935, daughter of Neil NICOLSON of Glendale, and had with 1 son who d. young:

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1b. EUPHEMIA MAC CRIMMON, b. at Borreraig, d.there 1933, m. in Glasgow PETER MAC DIARMID of Fasach, Glendale, now living in Glasgow, and had one son PETER HUGH MAC CRIMMON, of Borreraig, crofter and seafarer.
2b. MARGARET MAC CRIMMON (Mrs. Miller, 12, Clarence Street, Edinburgh), m. JOHN MILLER of Blackhall, Edinburgh, who was killed in the Great War whilst serving in the Cameron Highlanders and had issue: (1)ALEXANDER living in Australia, and (2)
JOHN, a registrar's assistant in Edinburgh.

3b. FLORA MAC CRIMMON, b. 31 Oct. 1886, m. HERBERT JOHN DAVEY (8, Victoria Avenue, Wallington, Surrey), of the Cold-stream Guards, Headquarters Staff, Buckingham Gate, S.W.l., now of H.M. Customs and Excise at the Port of London, late a musician in the Gordon Highlanders and Coldstream Guards, and has:

1c. GORDON JOHN MAC CRIMMON DAVEY, officer (1st Mate), Merchant Navy.

2c. MALCOLM RICHARD HERBERT DAVEY, F.R.C.O., F.T.C.L., M.R.S.T., organist and teacher of music, Wallington, Surrey.

6a. MARGARET MAC CRIMMON, b. at Borreraig15 May,1848, m. HENRY STEWART of 11, Bangholm Park, Edinburgh, Inspector of Goods, Caledonian Railway, b. at Paisley, Glasgow, d.1897 aged 49, and had:

1b. PETER STEWART, d. in 1900 aged 18.

2b. L/Cpl. SAMUEL STEWART, who enlisted in the 5th Bn. Q.O. Cameron Hldrs. in April 1916, and was killed at the battle of Ypres,18 Sep.1917 aged 34, bur. at Birr Cross Roads, Zillebeke, Belgium.

3b. MARY STEWART, m. in Edinburgh GEORGE CHRISTIE of 11 Bangholm Park, Trinity, Edinburgh 5, head postman, G.P.O. Edinburgh, and has one son THOMAS HENRY, who is in the Midlothian Constabulary.

7a. EFFIE MAC CRIMMON, d. young.

PETER MAC CRIMMON m. 3rdly, MARY DOUGLAS of Waternish, and had:

8a. CHRISTINA MAC CRIMMON, m. ALEXANDER MAC DONALD of Davidsons Mains, Edinburgh, late of Fasach, Glendale, a retired railway employee, and had :


1b. PETER CAMERON MAC DONALD of Davidsons Mains, Edinburgh, enlisted in the Argyll and Sutherland Hldrs. in Aug. 1914 and served throughout the Great War as a private in the Balkans and in France. Married ELIZABETH BAIN HENDERSON of Wick and Edinburgh, and has (I) ELIZABETH, (2)ALISTAIR, (3) CHRISTINA, (4) MAGNUS, (5) MARGARET, (6) EOIN, (7) PETER, (8) FLORA and (9) MORAG.
2b. Sergeant JOHN MAC DONALD, M.M., Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, b. 27 Apr. 1891. In railway service until he joined 93rd. Hldrs in 1913. Awarded the Military Medal and bar in the Great War, and was killed in action at Arras 17-18 Apr. 1917.

3b. Cpl. ALEXANDER MAC DONALD, M.M., Argyll and Sutherland Hldrs., b. 22 Sep. 1895. Gardener in the service of Lord Breadalbane at Taymouth Castle, Kenmore.
Enlisted in the Argyll and Sutherland Hldrs. in 1914, and subsequently transferred to the
Royal Hldrs. (Black Watch). Awarded the Military Medal and killed in action in July 1918.

4b. DUNCAN MAC CRIMMON MAC DONALD, b. 24 Sep.1897. A railway employee. Enlisted in the Highland Light Infantry in 1916 and served in Palestine and France. Killed in action at Menin in Aug. 1918.

5b. MALCOLM MAC DONALD of Blackhall, Edinburgh, b. 8 May, 1900. A railway employee. Married MARY BELLA MAC DONALD of Scadabay, Harris.

6b. MARY MAC DONALD, m. A. PEACE, Glasgow, and has WILLIAM, CHRISTINA and BARBARA.

11. JOHN MAC CRIMMON of Fasach, Glendale, a piobaireachd player (pupil of his father Iain Dubh) and a man of Herculean strength, bur. at Dunvegan, leaving issue

1a. IAIN DUBH MAC CRIMMON, a sailor, m. a daughter of Neil MAC SWEEN, mason, of Roag, Skye, and had issue (I) MARY, who lived iii Glasgow, and (2) EFFIE, who was accidenta1ly drowned.

12. EUPHEMIA MAC CRIMMON, described as a "handsome woman of extraordinary physical strength and a " proficient player on the pipes" Before her marriage she was a dairymaid at Dunvegan Castle, and she died at Fasach, Glendale, in 1869, and is buried in Dunvegan churchyard. Married MALCOLM NICOLSON of Fasach, Glendale, who was b. at Scorrybreck, Portree (an estate which his family- - -a sept of clan MacLeod of Lewis- held from about 1250), a good violinist, a keen shot and sportsman, an expert badger-trapper and fox-hunter, and a highly-skilled joiner and carpenter from early youth gamekeeper to the Laird of Orbost accidentally shot while otter-hunting at Lowergill, died from his injuries, and was buried at Dunvegan. They had:

1a. HECTOR NICOLSON, d. unm. at Homisdale, Glendale, c. 1880.

2a. IAIN BEG NICOLSON of Glendale, an assistant in the firm of MacLeod & Co. tea merchants, Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, d. in 1925 in his 88th year. Mrs. MacDonald, his great-niece, writes of him "I still remember with pleasure his fine singing of the Gaelic songs even when lie was over eighty. His was a tenor voice of good quality, which his grandsons lain and Neil Russell inherited." Married JANET, sister of Major Neil MAC LEOD, and a daughter of John Ban MacLeod of Lusta, and had:
1b. MARY NICOLSON, m. JOHN RUSSELL of Edinburgh and emigrated to Canada. They had:

1c. JANET MAC LEOD RUSSELL, m. MILLS of Hollywood, Cal., U.S.A., and has one son.

2c. NEIL RUSSELL, served in a Canadian Scottish regiment in the Great War. Married and had issue.

3c. IAIN RUSSELL, who also served in a Canadian Scottish regiment in the Great War married and had issue.

4c. JAMES RUSSELL, served in the Great War with a Canadian Scottish regiment. Unmarried.

2b. MARION NICOLSON, m. THOMAS MALTMAN, a retired inspector in the sorting dept. of Edinburgh G.P.O., and has:

1c. JANET MALTMAN, a concert singer and formerly principal soprano soloist of the Tolbooth Church, Edinburgh. Married HARRY CAMPBELL, London.

3b. JESSIE N1COLSON, of Edinburgh, unm.

4b. Colour-Sergeant JOHN NICOLSON, the Royal Scots, who served in the South African War and the Great War after 21 years in the army he entered the service of the G.P.O. Edinburgh, and has now retired. A piper. Married his kinswoman, EDITH M. SIMPSON, London, a piano teacher in Edinburgh, and has one son JOHN, a good violinist and pianist.

5b. Piper NEIL NICOLSON, the Royal Scots, who died unm. in India in 1902.

3a. MURDO NICOLSON, of Glenmore, Skye, a gamekeeper in the Isle of Rum,
married CHRISTINA, daughter of James WOOD, and had:

1b. MALCOLM NICOLSON, married KATE MURCHESON, daughter of a schoolmaster at Lochcarron and had one daughter who died 19--, and a son MURDO.

2b. JOHN NICOLSON, married - FRASER of Airdrie, and went to Queensland, Australia, in 1910. They had three daughters.

3b. JESSIE NICOLSON, married GEORGE CURRAN of Glasgow, who went to Canada. They had with three other children, GEORGE, MURDO and CHRISTINA.


4b. EFFIE NICOLSON (Mrs. MacRaild, Hampton Street, Ferang, Victoria, Australia), m. NORMAN MAC RAILD of Skinidin, Glendale, joiner, who died….and had:
(1) NORMAN, school master, b. 1912, (2)CHRISTINA,b.1914, and (3) MARION, b. 1916.

5b. MARY NICOLSON, married HERBERT IRON of Scarborough, and has DONALD, ALLAN, SHEILA, DOROTHY and EFFIE.

6b. ANNIE NICOLSON, married …..MUNRO of Perth, and has MURDO and CHRISTINA.

7b. DONALD NICOLSON of Greshipol, Isle of Coll, farmer, married MARY GALBRAITH of co. Ayr. No issue.

4a. DONALD NICHOLSON of Lephin, Glendale, one of the strongest men in the Highlands and of strikingly handsome appearance; named after the famous piper Donald Ban MacCrimmon, and was a good Highland dancer and player on the fiddle in his younger days until the church authorities persuaded him to give up such "sinful pursuits"; he took an active part in the Crofters' Land League; d. 4 March 1918; married MARGARET (now of Lephin, b. 1853), daughter of Duncan MAC NAB of Usabost, Skye, and had:

1b. EFFIE NICHOLSON (Mrs. Ward, Pretoria, South Africa), married in 1903 Sergt.
WARD, of an English regiment, who died 19--. No issue.

2b. MARGARET NICHOLSON, married BURNS PIKE, a South African farmer, and has (1) CATHERINE MARGARET, b. 1912, m. and has one daughter, (2) ISABEL EVA, of Cape Town, (3) JOHN, (4) DONALD, who fell over a cliff while birdnesting at Capetown in 1922 and was killed, and (5) KENNETH.

3b. JOHN NICHOLSON, joined Kilmarnock Police in 1899 and later served in the Mounted Police under Baden Powell in the South African War. He afterwards settled in South Africa and became a gold miner. An all-round athlete and winner of numerous prizes for hammer-throwing and running. Served in German East Africa during the Great War. Married in 1919, WINIFRED MAY, school-teacher, daughter of ----MILLAN, schoolmaster in co. Sutherland, and has (1) IAN, b.1928, and (2) DONALD, b. 1930.

4b. R-S-M. MALCOLM NICHOLSON, M.M., S.A. Rifles, who served in the Seafortli Highlanders in Egypt before the Great War and later went to Canada. He was a piper, and a pupil of the late Pipe-Major D. A. Campbell of Glendale. About 1910 he settled in South Africa and became a big-game hunter. On the outbreak of the Great War he joined the South African Rifles, in which he became R-S-M., and was awarded the military medal for valour in an engagement in German East Africa. On demobilization he came to Britain and served for a time in the Royal Irish Constabulary. Married 1st - - of Perth, who died 1921. He married 2ndly, 1923, CATHERINE MAC PHERSON of Braes, Portree, and went to Canada in 1924. She died in 1926. No issue.

5b. DUNCAN NICHOLSON, who was in the Lovat Scouts and Glasgow City Police. In 1910 he went to South Africa as a gold miner. During the Great War he served in the South African Rifles as a sergeant in German East Africa. Died in 1922. Married in 1913, ELIZABETH BARBER, of co. Lancaster, and had (1) DONALD, b. 1915, engineering apprentice, and (2) JOYCE, b. 1917, an able pianist and dancer.

6b. ALEXANDER NICHOLSON, died in infancy.

7b. DONALD ALEXANDER NICHOLSON, of Craiglockhart, Edinburgh, born 1901; served for five years in Edinburgh City Police and returned to Skye in 1926. In 1935 he was appointed to a post in Edinburgh Public Assistance Dept.

5a. CATHERINE NICHOLSON, died unmarried at Holmisdale, Glendale, c. 1880.

6a. ANN NICHOLSON, died at Roag, Skye, c. 1915, married MURDO MAC INNES of Roag. No issue.

7b. MARlON NICHOLSON, born at Fasach, Glendale, c. 1828, died at Ullinish in 1918. Married at Lonmore, Skye, by the Rev. Alex. McColl in 1858, NORMAN MAC CASKILL, farmer, of Ullinish, Skye, born at Idrigill, Dunvegan, son of Allan MacAskill or MacCaskill, by his first wife Mary MacKinnon of Strathaird, Sleat Mary MacKinnon was a sister of Neil Ban MacKinnon, ancestor of Dr. Norman MacKinnon. The Mac Askills are descended from the Norse family of MacCaskill, who farmed Rhu-an-Dunain or Glen-brittle, Skye, for eleven hundred years, and formed the bodyguard of the Mac Leods of Dunvegan. John MacCaskill, tacksman, of Rhu-an-Dunain, was the father of Gen. Wm. MacCaskill (d. 1815) and uncle of Maj.-Gen. Sir John MacCaskill, K.C.B., K.H., who was killed in action in 1845. Norman and Marion MacCaskill had issue:

1b. MALCOLM MAC CASKILL of Lyndale Farm, Portree, formerly tenant of Glenvicaskill and Ebost, born 1859, married at Lonmore, Duirinish, by the Rev. John MacRae, 17 March 1885, FLORA, died at Ullinish, 6 Sep. 1903, daughter of Ewen MAC CASKILL by his wife Catherine MacKinnon of Shiader, and granddaughter of Allan MacCaskill by Margaret Shaw his wife. They had:

1c. Superintendent EWEN MAC CASKI LL of Glasgow. He joined Glasgow Police in 1907 and was selected by Supt. Douglas to be his assistant at the aliens office. throughout the Great War he was at the Aliens Office and took an important part in rounding up spies and undesirable foreigners. He was twice thanked by the Scottish Office and once each by the Home Office and War Office for secret service rendered to the country. Mr. MacCaskill discovered an extensive scheme of forging British passports, whereby foreigners paid high prices for birth certificates which had been legally registered in this country and sent abroad; the aliens took these certificates to British consuls as evidence of nationality and this gained passports and access to this country. In 1932 Mr. MacCaskill was appointed Superintendent of Po1ice at Maryhill, Glasgow. Married ANNIE MAC CASKILL of Gairloch.

2c. KENNETH MAC CASKILL, farmer, of Mossford, co. Ross, and formerly of Lettermore, Mull, gold medallist at agricultural shows in Argyll. Married CATHERINE URQUHART of Gairloch, and has (1) MALCOI.M, (2) FLORA, (3) MARY, (4) CALLUM HECTOR, (5)JOHN DUNCAN and (6) CATHERINE MARY.

3c. NORMAN MAC ASKILL of Kinloch, Skye, married MARION BETHUNE of Edinbane, and has FLORA and DONALD.

4c. MALCOLM MAC ASKILL of Knock House, Sleat, Skye, married MARY GRAHAM of Clachamish, Skye, and has (I) FLORA, (2) DONALD, (3)HELEN, (4) CATHERINE MARY and (5)PATRICIA.

5c. CATHERINE MAC CASKILL of 7, Southpark Terrace, Hillhead, Glasgow, a nurse, served in Q.A.I.M.N.S., Chatham, in the Great War. Unmarried.

6c. MARY MAC CASKILL of Hillhead, Glasgow, a housekeeper. Unmarried.

MALCOLM MAC CASKILL married 2ndly, MARION, daughter of John MAC KINNON, Glendale, son of Donald MacKinnon, and brother of Mary MacKinnon, Strathaird, and had further issue:

7c. FLORA MAC CASKILL, died at Ebost House 6 Sep. 1927 aged l9.

8c. JOAN MAC CASKILL, unmarried.

2b. ANNIE MAC ASKILL, a good singer, died in Edinburgh, 26 Nov. 1935. Married ALEXANDER MAC ASKILL of Borodale, 7 Argyle Place, Edinburgh, who was employed at Rosyth Naval Dockyard and as a diver at Devonport for many years, son of Donald MacAskill of Skinidin, one of the MacCaskills of Rhu-an-Dunain, and had:

1c. DONALD MAC ASKILL, a fine singer and violinist. Has passed the exams for promotion to sergeant and inspector in Edinburgh Police Force. Married in 1931, JOHANN GEAR, daughter of an Orkney schoolteacher, and has (1) MARION ISABEL, born 11 May 1932, and (2) IAN DONALD, born 17 Sep. 1934.

2c. NORMAN ALLAN MAC ASKILL of 26, Montpelier Park, Edinburgh, solicitor, died of heart failure at Edinburgh 9 Dec. 1935. Married AGNES BOA, daughter of an Edinburgh west end tailor and furrier, by his wife a descendant of the Tolmies of Skye, and had a daughter, MEREDITH CHARLOTTE, born 5 Sep. 1935.

3c. MARY KATHARINE MAC ASKILL, who plays the piano and organ well and is a trained contralto singer. She is also a promising performer on the clarsach. Married WILLIAM RAE MAC DONALD, C.A., of Rosskeen, Cluny Avenue, Edinburgh, and formerly of Rosskeen, Invergordon, and has a daughter, ANNE CATHERINE, born 6 March 1935.

3b. ALLAN MAC ASKILL of Barnacarry Farm, Kilninver, Oban, Argyll, born in Glendale, Skye, and tenanted the farm of Ullinish from the time of his father's death until it was broken up into small holdings for crofters in 1921, when he was obliged to leave. He married at Skinidin , Skye, 12 Apr., 1916, MARY KATE, daughter of Donald MAC DONALD of Skinidin, by his wife Marion, daughter of Alexander Finlayson of Mugary, Portree, and has:

1c. NORMAN MAC ASKILL of Barnayarrie, Achnasaul, Oban, farmer, born at Ullinish 1907.

2c. DONALD MAC ASKILL of Barnacarry, Kilninver, farmer, born at Ullinish, 1908,

3c. MARY MAC ASKILL, a nurse at the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, born at Uilinish, 1910.

4c. P.C. SAMUEL MAC ASKILL, of the Metropolitan Police, London, born at Ullinish, 1912 resides at 385, King's Road, Chelsea.

5c. MORAG MAC ASKILL, born at Ullinisli, 1914.

6c. SARAH MAC ASKILL, born at Ullinish, 1916. Educated at H.G. School, Portree.

7c. CHRISTABEL MAC ASKILL, born at Barnacarry, 1922.

4b. JOHN MAC ASKILL, superintendent of the Alliance Insurance Co., at Johannesburg, Transvaal, South Africa. Served in the Scottish Horse during the South African War. Being a man of fine appearance and a well trained piper, he was chosen with two other pipers to tour Scotland after the Boer War under the command of the Duke of Atholl, then Marquis of Tullibardyne. He married MARGARET - - -, born in co. Fife and has NORMAN, KENNETH and IAN.

5b. ISABELLA MAC CASKILL of Ullinish, Skye, "who possessed the noblest characteristics and virtues of her race," and died unmarried at Edinbane, Skye, 6 Nov., 1935.

6b. MARY MAC ASKILL, who was spoken of as being "the finest-looking woman of her day in Skye." She died in 1894, having married as his first wife JOHN MAC ASKILL, died 5 Feb., 1933, aged 83, son of Ewen MacCaskill and brother of Mrs. Malcolm MacCaskill. John married 2ndly, in 1895, Mary Beaton of Waternish, who d.s.p. inJan., 1914. By his first wife he had:

1c. KENNETH MAC ASKILL of Wester Chalder, Keith, Banffshire, farm manager, born at Ullinish 30 June, 1885. Engaged in agriculture throughout his life, has won many prizes at dog trials, etc.. and was presented with a silver match-box and congratulated by H.M. King George V and Queen Mary at Balmoral in 1932. Married at Wester Chalder, 1 Dec., 1926, EMILY, daughter of George SHEILL of Drummuir. No issue.

2c. EWEN MAC ASKILL, of North Kessock, Inverness, flockmaster and sheep wintering contractor in the Black Isle and previously a farm worker in Skye, born at Ullinish 7 Sep., 1886 a successful amateur heavy-weight athlete silver medallist for "putting the weight '' an enthusiastic piper married at Kessock, 1 June, 1932, MARGARET, daughter of Capt. Daniel PATTERSON of North Kessock, the Black Isle, and has (I) MARGARET MARY, born at Kessock 24 Apr., 1934, and (2) MARY, born at Kessock 18 July, 1936.

3c. KATE MAC ASKILL, born at Ullinish 9 March, 1889. Married at Barnacarry, Oban, 1 June, 1923, DUNCAN MAC NAB of Ardentallen, Oban, who was born at Grundachy, Lorne, became, a farm worker at Ardentallen and was later a shepherd at Edinample, Barnayarrie and Dunach; served in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders during the Great War and afterwards in Ireland. They have issue (1) MARY, born at Findoglen St. Fillans 12 Oct., 1924, (2) ELIZABETH, born at Barnayarrie 11 Oct., 1926, and (3) JOHN, born at Barnayarrie 18 Nov., 1927.

4c. MARION MAC ASKILL, born at Ullinish 7 May, 1891, unmarried.

5c. JOHN MAC ASKILL, born at Ullinish, 24 Apr., 1894, farm worker until apprenticed as a carpenter in Greenock, joined the Royal Navy early in 1915 as a mechanic (carpenter); mined in H.M.S. King Edward VII at Scapa Flow in Jan., 1916; transferred to H.M.S. Royal Oak; promoted petty officer and took part in the battle of Jutland; died at Ullinish as the result of war wounds in 1920. Unmarried.

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7b. EUPHEMIA MAC CASKILL, married in Dec., 1905, MURDO NICOLSON of Gleninore, Skye, and had:

1c. MARY NICOLSON, of Ebost, born c. 1906, unmarried.

2c. ARCHIBALD NICOLSON, a rancher in Canada, born c. 1907.

3c. SARAH NICOLSON, born c. 1909, a nurse in the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh.

4c. NORMAN NICOLSON, a farmer in Coil, born C. 1910.

5c. MARGARET NICOLSON, born c. 1914. Married GEORGE ROSIE, a sailor in Aberdeen, and has twins born in 1934 and further twin children born in March, 1936.

8b. KATE MAC CASKILL, died 3 Oct., 1934, married her kinsman WILLIAM MAC KINNON of 3, Merchiston Bank Avenue, Edinburgh 10, son of William MacKinnon and grandson of Neil Ban MacKinnon of Strathaird, and had:

1c. MORAG MAC KINNON, M.A., Edin., a teacher in Ardrossan Academy. Unmarried.

2c. ANNA MAC KINNON, M.A., Edin., a teacher under Edinburgh Education Committee.

3c. WILLIAM MAC KINNON, M.A., LL.B. Edin. Secretary of the Collegiate Extension Society, Birmingham, and at present manager of a branch of that society in Johannesburg, South Africa.

4c. NORMAN ALAN MAC ASKILL MACKINNON, M.B., Ch.B. Edin., 1932, Prel. D.P.H., of 3, Merchiston Bank Avenue, Edinburgh, Assistant Bacteriologist to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. For two years hon. piper to Edinburgh University Celtic Society.

5c. JAMES MAC KINNON, student of medicine.

6c. ENA MAC KINNON, M.A., Edin. Teacher under Edinburgh Education Committee.

9b. MARION MAC CASKILL, died unmarried.

8a. EUPHEMIA NICOLSON, died at Waterstein, Glendale. Married her kinsman SAMUEL THORBURN of Holmisdale, who was born at Ramsaig on the Glendale estate and died at Waterstein, son of Samuel Thorburn by Catherine Campbell his wife, and grandson of Samuel Thorburn (who came from Moffat, Co. Dumfries, to the Isle of Mull, died at Lowergill, near Ramsaig, and was buried at Dunvegan) by his wife Catherine MacLean of Mull. Catherine Campbell was a daughter of Donald Campbell and niece-by-marriage of lain Dubh MacCrimmon, hereditary piper to MacLeod at Dunvegan. Catherine's grandfather, Alexander Campbell, the son of Donald, son of John, son of Para Mor or "Big Peter" Campbell, was descended from the Camphells of Barbreck, who accompanied Rory Mor MacLeod to Dunvegan. Samuel and Eupheinia Thorburn had issue:

1b. SAMUEL THORBURN, M.M., of Waterstein, Glendale, born at Holmisdale 20 Feb., 1884, served as a sharpshooter in the Lovat Scouts during the Great War and was awarded the Military Medal. Mr. Thorburn possesses a curiously-fashioned horn mull-box (silver top missing) which belonged to his ancestors the MacCrimmon pipers and has been handed down from father to son through many generations. He married FLORA ANN, daughter of Neil MAC PHERSON (by his wife Dorothy Campbell, of Borodale), great-niece of the famous Gaelic bard Donald MacLeod of Glendale and a descendant of the MacPhersons of Conan, and has:

1c. NEIL THORBURN, born at Waterstein 3 Feb., 1920.

2c. SAMUEL THORBURN, born at Water-stein 25 March, 1921.

3c. DOROTHY THORBURN, born at Waterstein 26 Aug., 1923.

4c. EFFIE THORBURN, born at Water-stein 31 Dec., 1928.

9a. IAIN MOR NICOLSON, married MARGARET daughter of William SHAW by Flora MacRaild his wife, and had (with two daughters named FLORA who died young, a son ALEXANDER, who also died young, and a daughter EUPHEMIA who died unmarried in London).

1b. MARGARET NICOLSON, married JOHN BRUCE of Glenhinisdale, Skye, and has one son and one daughter.

2b. MARY NICOLSON, married WILLIAM DOBBIE of Haddington and has 4 sons and 3 daughters.

3b. CATHERINE NICOLSON, married WILLIAM MORRISON of Larbert. No issue.

4b. MARIAN NICOLSON, married JOHN CRUICKSHANK of Nairn, and had 4 sons and 2 daughters.

5b. ALEXANDER NICOLSON, died unmarried in Edinburgh aged 25.

13. DONALD OG MAC CRIMMON, born at Borreraig, Dunvcgan. He lived a somewhat unprofitable life but was fortunate in obtaining the help of MacKinnon, who granted lands in Kyle to him. Died at Strathaird, Skye. Married JANE, daughter of John MATHESON of Sconcer, Portree and had:

1a. NEIL MAC KINNON MAC CRIMMON, of the Castle (a stone house) in Breakish, Broadford, Skye, born at Kyle Farm, Kyleakin, and named after MacKinnon. Contractor for roads in Skye. Died at Breakish in 1878. Married it Broadford, MARION, daughter of John GRANT of Kilbride and Breakish, by his wife Marion, daughter of Hugh MacKinnon of Borreraig, Strath, one of the MacKinnons of Strath.
Mrs. Neil MacCrimmon's grandfather was an outlawed Jacobite, Padruig Grant of Craskie, Co. Inverness, one of the immortal "SEVEN MEN OF GLENMORISTON" who sheltered Prince Charles Edward on his wanderings in 1746 at the time when a reward of £30,000 was offered for the Prince's capture. The sporran which Grant wore in Prince Charlie's presence is now in the possession of Dr. Calum MacCrimmon. Through the Grants of Glenmoriston and the Camerons of Lochiel, Mrs. Neil MacCrimmon was descended from the ancient royal family of Scotland Prince Charles Edward inspired the deepest devotion of his follower, Padruig Grant of Glenmoriston, who for five years waited in the Highlands for the return of his royal master, and at last arrived in Edinburgh, speaking nothing but Gaelic, seeking to go beyond the seas to find the Prince "for if he be on the face of the earth, I will find him out, as I hear they are good Christians on the other side of the seas." It took long to persuade Grant to return to the Highlands, but it was impossible to find the Prince, who at that time had thought fit to conceal himself from many of his best and closest friends, so Padruig unwillingly abandoned the enterprise and went hack to the braes of Glenmoriston. They had:

1b. KATHERINE MAC CRIMMON, married DONALD FLETCHER of Breakish and had issue: (I) MARGARET, married LAUCHLAN MAC DONALD of Broadford and Glasgow, (2) FLORA, married JOHN BEATON of Sleat, (3) CHRISTINA, of Breakish, unmarried,(4)DUNCAN,diedunmarried in 1932, (5) DONALD, married ----, (6) JOHN of Breakish, unmarried, and (7) MARION of Breakisli, unmarried.

2b. DONALD MOR MAC CRIMMON, born at Breakish, died there aged 17.

3b. MARION MAC CRIMMON,married DONALD ROBERTSON of Breakishi, a descendant of the Struan Robertsons, and had (1) JOHN, of Breakish, unmarried, (2) KATHERINE, married JOHN HYNDMAN of Paisley, (3) MARION, married JACK MAC LEAN of Renton, (4) ANGUS, married in Australia, (5) NEIL, lives in Australia, unmarried, and (6) JESSIE, of Breakish, unmarried.

4b. HUGH MAC CRIMMON of Breakish, born there 24 March,1845, died 4 March, 1937, in his 92nd year. Married at the Old Established Church, Schoolhouse, Breakish, 2 Feb., 1873, JANET, died at Breakish 5 June, 1936, in the 86th year of her age and the 64th of her marriage, eldest daughter of John MAC RAE of 11, Upper Breakish, a Kintail MacRae, by his wife Christina, daughter of Malcolm MacKinnon of Keppoch, Strathaird, and later of Heaste, Broadford, and had:

1c. CHRISTINA MAC CRIMMON, married JOHN ROBERTSON of Elgoll, Strathaird, and had (1) CHARLES MAC KINNON, a ship's steward, (2) JANET, a nurse in Inverness, trained in a Dundee hospital, (3) NEIL, of Vancouver, (4) MARGARET MAC KINNON, of Breakish, educated at Portree Secondary School, (5) HUGH N. MAC CRIMMON, a motor engineer in England, (6) BARBARA, now training as a nurse in a Glasgow hospital, (7) FLORA, (8) MARY, (9) NORMAN, a motor engineer in England, and (10) DONALD J. MAC CRIMMON, educated at Portree Seeondary School.

2c. JANE MAC CRIMMON, born at Breakish 1878, d.s.p. at Inverness. Married as his 2nd wife, her kinsman, ALEXANDER NICOLSON of Lower Breakish, son of Neil Nicolson of Lower Breakish, and grandson of Alexander Robertson by his wife Rachel, daughter of Donald Og MacCrimmon.

3c. NEIL MAC CRIMMON, born at Breakish 1880. He was a seafarer and spent much of his time on the Australian coasts. In 1915 he enlisted in the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force and was rapidly promoted. Early in 1916 he became chief telegraphist, wireless section, A.N. & M.F. While on duty at New Guinea he contracted malaria and died in Sep., 1918. Unmarried.

4c. MARY MAC CRIMMON, a stenographer in Vancouver. Married at Vancouver in 1924, Captain MALCOLM CAMPBELL, M.B.E., of 4042 W. 13th Avenue, Vancouver, who was born in Harris and was on the Yukon boats for many years. He commanded the R.S.53 (as a hospital and troopship) on the Tigris River in Mesopotamia for four years and was awarded the M.B.E. for war services. His Campbell grandfather left Argyll and settled in Harris. No issue.

5c. MORAG MAC CRIMMON, married JOHN MAC ARTHUR, killed in Ireland 1936, son of Alexander MacArthur of Camus Cross, Isle Ornsay, by his wife Ann Kennedy of Sleat. The MacArthurs were hereditary pipers to the MacDonalds of the Isles. They have issue (1) ALISTAIR, born 1921, educated at Greenock High School, and (2) SHEONAID, born 1926.

6c. JOHN MAC CRIMMON, born at Breakish 1887. He was in the Navy for a short time before taking up farming in Canada. On the outbreak of the Great War he enlisted as a private in the 72nd Bn. C.E.F., The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, and received shrapnel wounds in 1917 while serving in France. On leaving hospital he returned to duty, and at the end of the war he went back to Canada. Unmarried.

7c. DONALD MAC CRIMMON, of Broadford, Skye, joiner, born at Breakish in Feb., 1892. Joined the 4th Bn. Q.O. Cameron Highlanders in 1909, mobilized 4 Aug., 1914, served in France, wounded at Festubert in 1915, returned to service as musketry instructor, and was demobilized 19 Apr., 1919, with rank of sergeant.

8c. KATHERINE MAC CRIMMON, S.R.N., member T.A.N.S., of Breakish. trained at Glasgow Eye Infirmary and the Royal Northern Infirmary, Inverness staff nurse, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, and later Matron of Dr. MacKinnon's Memorial Hospital, Broadford. Matron of Aberfeldy District Hospital, l92-33.

5b. JANE MAC CRIMMON, married JAMES FERGUSON of Dundee, whose parents came from Skye. They went to Oregon, U.S.A., and had (1) JAMES, of California, unmarried, (2) JESSIE, of Kansas City, unmarried, (3) COLIN ROBERT, of Hollywood, Florida, married and has 1 son, (4) LEWIS GEORGE, married in Florida, and (5) VIVIAN A., of Kansas City, a music teacher before her marriage.

6b. DONALD GRANT MAC CRIMMON of Portree, Skye, head of the firm of Donald MacCrimmon & Co., builders and contractors, Bayfield Road, Portree, born at Breakish in 1850, died at Dundee 1 July, 1932, aged 82. Married at Tarbert, Loch Fyne, in 1878, MARGARET DOUGLAS, daughter of Duncan SINCLAIR of Tarbert and had :

1c. MARY MAC CRIMMON, of Portree, unmarried.

2c. LENA MAC CRIMMON, born at Portree 12 Aug., 1882, died at Shanghai, China in Jan., 1919. Married in Glasgow, 1 Feb., 26 1910, her kinsman, Capt. NEIL MAC LEAN, of the China Merchant Steam Navigation Company, Shanghai, and of 4, Breakish, Broadford, born at Breakish16 Dec., 1873, 1st class Master Mariner (deep sea, sail and steam), awarded the order of Man Fu by the President of the Chinese Republic 30 June, 1916, died at Vancouver 18 Oct., 1923, grandson ofAlexander Robertson of Breakish by his wife Rachel, daughter of Donald Og MacCrimmon, and had:

1d. lAIN MALCOLM (MAC CRIMMON) MAC LEAN of St. Andrew's Club (London), 2 Whitehall Court, S.W~ 1., and Portree, born at Shanghai 24 Dec., 1915. Student of medicine at King's College, University of London, and at the Westminster Hospital, London. Branch Vice-President of the Scottish National Party. Member of the Council of the Clan Mac Crimmon Society.

2d. DONALD GRANT MAC LEAN born at Shanghai, 22 July, 1918. Student of medical science at Edinburgh University.

3c. NEIL MAC CRIMMON, of Portree, born at Tarbert 1883. Since 1900 he has travelled to many parts of the world, including Uruguay, Paraguay, Siam and Australia. Owned a plantation in the British Solomon Islands. M,'~rried at Wentworth Falls, N.S.W., 23 July, 1912, Dr. LILY HOLT, L.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., L.R.F.S.P.Gs., born at Melbourne, Victoria, 9 Nov., 1883, died at Mendooran 30 July, 1935, and had the following born at Newcastle, N.S.W., (1) JOAN, born 19 Oct., 1917, (2) AUDREY LENA, born 9 March, 1920, (3) NEIL ALISTER, born 19 May, 1921, and (4) SHELAGH, born 20 July, 1926.

4c. MALCOLM (CALUM) MAC CRIMMON, physician and surgeon, of Portree, Isle of Skye, and St. Andrew's Club, 2 Whitehall Court, London, S.W.l., late of the Royal Infirmary, Manchester, born at Portree 1894. Educated at the University of St. Andrews (M.B., Ch.B., 1928). A piobaireachd player and composer. Was taught piobaireachd in canntaireachd notation by his father and was also instructed by Fionla Mor MacRae and John MacDougal Gillies. Has lectured on piobaireachd in Glasgow and at the University there. Elected a member of Comunn na Piobaireachd in 1931, and Chief of the Clan MacCrimmon Society in 1936. Married at Dundee, 10 Oct., 1924, MARIE JULIETTE, daughter of M. Paul PONTET of St. Ambroix, Gard, in the South of France, huissier of the Banque de France, and has issue PADRUIG RENE OG, born at Dundee 27 Sep., 1931.

2a. ALASTAIR MAC CRIMMON, of Breakish, married ISABELLA BUCHANAN of Breakish and went to Australia, having issue (1) DONALD, born in Scotland, (2) JOHN, born in Scotland, (3) Mrs. JANET KELLY, and (4) Mrs. MARION MAC INNES, who had issue.

3a. MARION MAC CRIMMON, married NEIL GRANT of Torrin, Skye, and had (I) DONALD, died unmarried, (2) NEIL, died unmarried, (3) MARY, married JOHN GRANT of Elgoll, (4) KATE, died unmarried, and (5) CHRISTINA, married LAUGHLIN MAC LEOD of Torrin, with issue NEIL, JOHN, MARION, EILEEN and the Rev. DONALD, of Applecross, co. Ross.

4a. CATHERINE MAC CRIMMON, married JOHN MAC LEOD, Dunvegan, and went to Australia. They had seven sons and one daughter.

5a. FLORA MAC CRIMMON, married DONALD ROBERTSON of Ashaig, Breakish, and had two daughters who died young, a son who lives in Glasgow and a son in Australia.

6a. RACHEL MAC CRIMMON, married as his 2nd wife, ALEXANDER ROBERTSON of Breakish (who married 1st----Grant, and by her had a daughter Catherine, who married Alexander Robertson, hotel proprietor, Breakish) and had:

1b. KATE ROBERTSON, born and died at Breakish, married 22nd Jan., 1867, JOHN MAC LEAN, who died --- and had:

1c. Captain NEIL MAC LEAN of Shanghai, China, who married his kinswoman LENA, daughter of Donald Grant Mac Crimmon of Portree (q.v.)

2c. Captain ANGUS MAC LEAN, master mariner (deep-sea, steam), born at Breakish, married at Glasgow FLORA ROBERTSON. No issue.

3c. EFFIE MAC LEAN, born at Breakish, married F. MAC DONALD, who was drowned at sea, and had (1) CATHERINE married, (2) JOHN, a clerk in Montreal, unmarried, (3) MARGARET, married, and (4) MURDO, unmarried.

4c. ALEXANDER MAC LEAN, living in (?) Australia.

2b. FLORA ROBERTSON, born at Breakish, married NEIL NICOLSON of Lower Breakish, and had:

1c. ALEXANDER NICOLSON, who married 2ndly, his kinswoman JANE, daughter of Hugh MAC CRIMMON of Breakish (q.v.)

2c. JANE NICOLSON, married ALEXANDER MAC KINNON, and had:

1d. Sister FLORA MAC KINNON, Matron of Broadford Hospital, Skye.

2d. LAUCHLAN MAC KINNON, M.A., teacher of Gaelic at Fort William.

3c. ANN NICOLSON, married DONALD GRANT and had issue.

4c. JOHN NICOLSON, (died ---, married and had 1 son and I daughter.

3b. CHRISTINA ROBERTSON, married NEIL MAC KINNON of Torrin, who died -, and had ALEXANDER and CATHERINE, both unmarried.

4b. JANE ROBERTSON, born at Breakish, died at York in Aug., 1936, married at York, HARRY MORLEY of York, printer and publisher, and had issue.

5b. JOHN ROBERTSON, born at Breakish 1852, married 1st, KATE MAC PHERSON, and 2ndly, KATHERINE MAC KINNON, of Torrin, who d.s.p. By his first wife he had:

1c. ALEXANDER ROBERTSON, born at Breakish 1888, married KATE MAC DONALD, Lismore, and had KATE, born 1914, and other issue.

2c. KATE ROBERTSON, born 1890, married JAMES CARLIN, Glasgow, and has:

1d. JAMES CARLIN.

2d. JOHN CARLIN, married MARY MAC LEAN of Hampool, and has (1) CATHERINE, born 1933, and (2) HUGH, born Sept., 1936.

3c. DONALD ROBERTSON, born 1892, married---MAC KENZIE and has issue KATE and MARGARET.

4c. JOHN ROBERTSON, born 1894, went to (?) Australia. His wife's family is believed to have originated in the Netherlands.

5c. RACHEL ROBERTSON, born 1896, married in Glasgow, Sept., 1922, ANDREW MAC INTYRE ANDREW of Crianlarich, an employee of the L.M.S. Railway, born at Glen Ogle Head 1894, and had:

1d. ROBERT ANDREW, born 9 Aug., 1923, educated at Callander High School.

2d. JOHN ROBERTSON ANDREW, born 15 Oct., 1926.

6b. ARCHIBALD ROBERTSON, died 1923, married MARY ROSS, and had:

1c. DONALD ROBERTSON.

2c. ALEXANDER ROBERTSON, Chief Officer of the R.M.S. "Glencoe" (Mac Brayne & Co., Glasgow), died at Kingussie, married CHRISTINA ROBERTSON and had ARCHIBALD and ISABEL, both born at Breakish.

3c. ANN ROBERTSON, married.

4c. EWEN ROBERTSON, living in U.S.A. Married.