Corncrake Body 1

11 SEPTEMBER 2001

Today, New York and Washington suffered appalling human loss when hijacked aircraft were crashed by suicide bombers. The shocking news took some time to circulate locally, as many people were out working in the afternoon and away from news broadcasts. By chance, the news was received before the children got home from primary school. The teacher was able to telephone the parents, so at least access to the harrowing broadcast images could be supervised.

A meeting of the Kirk Session and Congregational Board convened in great sadness and in prayer; Rev. Marshall read from Scriptures - "But nothing I say helps, and being silent does not calm my pain." (Job 16). It will be remembered that Job lost his children when "a storm swept in from the desert. It blew the house down and killed them all" except the one who told the tale.

As the hours passed, families contacted loved ones to share their emotions. In this tiny, cosmopolitan world, many of us are familiar with the disaster sites, many have family working in financial centres, more than a few knew that people near to them were at serious risk. Tears were shed here, as everywhere.

Next day, members of Clan MacPhie were scheduled to leave by the morning ferry - many took the opportunity to use CalMac's terminal to send email messages to their families. The party maintained its spirits, but it was a sombre end to a joyful and successful visit home to Colonsay.

It was tempting to cancel this issue of "The Corncrake", since such lightweight activity seems to trivialise the collective pain. On reflection, it is the trifles and the minutiae that compose all our lives, the light and shade and colour - the temptation has been rejected, but with a very heavy heart. Deepest sympathy is extended to all who have suffered loss.

MACFIE CLAN VISIT

Clan MacPhie had an official gathering and parliament in Oban last week, and on Sunday many of the party came across to Colonsay to visit the island and to contribute to our collective heritage. It was a time of re-union, as many of the participants have been regular visitors over the years and have many local friends. Over the years the Clan has re-erected Carraig Mhic a' Phi and erected one or two memorial notices close by, including one which notes the Bicentennial time-capsule, to be re-opened in 2050.

Some meetings were held at the Hall, there was an expedition to Oronsay Priory and there were visits to Parc na h' Eaglais and elsewhere. Members of the clan have been supportive to many local projects, such as by contributions to the churches and to the new Village Hall. This time they have provided signage for Balerominmor and an impressive cairn-mounted information plaque for Dun Eibhinn. This latter monument was formally dedicated with the good offices of Rev. Freda Marshall and has attracted much favourable comment.

LEADING LIGHT

It is reported that more than one person heard a whistle one morning last weekend, and that one or two remarked upon the odd way in which it was sounded; it was apparently heard at the Pantry, and staff came out to investigate, but saw nothing. As it happened, Brian Smith was walking down the Hotel Brae and also heard it - recognizing it as the S.O.S. distress message, he followed the sounds.

It transpired that a visually impaired visitor - who had been enjoying plenty of walking with the aid of his stick - had strayed into an area of rising tide and had become trapped. Brian's own sight is not great at present, but he managed to position himself in such a position that the casualty was able to regain terra firma by walking slowly and carefully towards the sound of his voice.

It is believed that our visitor was undaunted by his alarming experience and went on to enjoy the rest of his holiday.

COLONSAY & ORONSAY HERITAGE TRUST

As the current very successful season of exhibitions and projects comes to a close, there is word of future plans. There have been discussions with a botanical illustrator from Harris and also with the Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, with a view to an exhibition on the flora of Colonsay and Oronsay. This will be of great interest, since it is hoped to include botanical specimens collected during the 1990's and follows so soon upon the re-publication of Murdoch McNeill's original study in 1909. There has been a great deal of additional research in recent years, and a definitive atlas of local flora is currently in the final stages of preparation.

Highlights of 2002 will include an exhibition of work by photographer Ruth Skinner and landscape Sara MacCulloch, both of whom are from Canada and are familiar visitors to Colonsay. They will combine the exhibition with an opportunity to prepare additional Colonsay-related material.

The Heritage Trust is already making plans to mark the bicentenary of the "Spencer" migration from Colonsay to Prince Edward Island in 1806, and at a recent meeting of Colonsay Community Council it was agreed that every encouragement should be given to projects in that connection.

NEIL MACDOUGALL'S MEMORIAL

Archie MacConnell (who maintains the graveyard) recently noted that the memorial of the late Neil MacDougall was in a very poor state. He is well-remembered locally and Finlay MacFadyen immediately volunteered to make a replacement - quite a change from former services provided, when Finlay used to shoe Neil's pony for him. Meantime, Donald MacArthur had also noted the problem and had had a replacement made in Glasgow - briefly there was a potential abundance of memorials.

As it happens, a replacement for the memorial on Eilean nan Ron had already been discussed with Finlay, and now the grave of Edmondo Armando Sottocarnola will receive its new marker that much the sooner.

Before and After

NOTICE
If any reader knows of gravestones anywhere in the world mentioning Colonsay, please send details to the Editor.

RECORD YEAR FOR TOURISM

Although there are many other business interests in Colonsay - agriculture, fishing, aquaculture, service activities etc. - there is no denying that the provision of facilities to visitors is nowadays of crucial importance to the local economy. In the early months of the year, the possible impact of the Foot and Mouth epidemic was a cause for great concern. Fortunately, many of Colonsay's visitors have been returning for many years and remained loyal; their numbers were swollen by others who, although less familiar with the island, were prepared to be re-assured by the honest and accurate information which was provided on our website and by letter.

As the summer ends, it is good to report that this has been a record year. Serious levels of investment by private operators and by the entire community (e.g. in the new Village Hall) have been justified, and it is believed that ongoing investment is now assured. No doubt details of the various projects will be announced in due course, but it is known that both the Hotel and Colonsay Estate will be working to further upgrade their properties. It is also known that a very important conservation programme is being developed for Oransay Priory, that public agencies will be investing in facilities ancillary to the Village Hall and that many small but significant projects are under way - for example, disabled access at the Parish Church.

A number of people were surprised at press reports of reduced carryings to Colonsay on the ferry. Although this might reflect a slightly longer length of stay by individual visitors, it mainly reflects the general decline in tourism elsewhere. As far as one can tell, day-trippers from Islay and Kintyre were at a reduced level, as were the number of "cruise" visitors from Oban. We have been extremely fortunate in Colonsay - one excellent mainland establishment in a prime location confides that they only achieved a full house on one occasion this year, whereas it would usually be their norm. Of course, nobody is helped by bad practice - readers might care to try calling Oban Tourist Office as a visitor, and then write to tell "Corncrake" what happens. Is it "visitor-friendly"?

CHURCH NEWS

Both churches are in good shape at present and have completed significant improvements. The Baptist Church has an excellent lighting and heating system, has modern toilet facilities and provides an excellent venue for the children's "Club" each Thursday in winter.

The Church of Scotland has had outstanding repairs completed on the eastern side of the roof, and has the benefit of an excellent new manse. There is a full programme of visiting ministers extending forward into 2003.

Plans are complete for a new "disabled access" at the Church of Scotland and it is hoped that a start can be made before long. Over the winter months, joint worship is organised between the two congregations - all islanders and visitors are warmly invited to attend. The Church of Scotland services are at 11.00 and those in the Baptist Church are at noon - notices in the shop (and by rights on this site) should indicate which church is hosting the service on any given Sunday.

"SPENCER" COMMEMORATIVE VOYAGE

Progress continues on the plan to sail from Colonsay to Prince Edward Island in 2006 aboard a brigantine, to mark the 200th anniversary of the voyage of the "Spencer". The list of potential participants has now reached twelve, although as yet no descendant of the original emigrants has expressed interest. Any local persons should put their name forward fairly soon - remember that places will be required for sponsors, for film crew and for professional crewmembers, as well as for descendants. It probably will be wise to close the local list at twenty or so local names, assuming that half drop out and that four or five places must remain unallocated until much nearer the time.

The Community Council has given its support to the project. Anyone prepared to become involved is invited to contact any member of the working committee which (at present) consists of Andrew MacGregor, Kevin Byrne, a representative of Colonsay & Oronsay Heritage Trust (to be notified), Alex Howard and Martin Minter-Kemp. Martin is the only non-islander at present, and is a master-mariner with a specialist knowledge of Tall Ships. If all goes well, it is hoped that Martin Minter-Kemp will play a leading role.

It is envisaged that the project will be firmed-up over the next month, and that enough information will be available soon for a dedicated webpage to be established. As time goes by, that webpage will be the main conduit for information and will be regularly updated.

WHAT'S ON IN COLONSAY

Quiz in the Hotel every Wednesday at 9.30 pm.

Church services every Sunday, alternating between the churches: 11 am at the Church of Scotland, Scalasaig, and 12 noon at the Baptist Church, Kilchattan. See shop notice to check venue.

Colonsay House Gardens: Open every Wednesday. Al Fresco meals, organic produce etc.

Colonsay & Oronsay Artists - Entirely new Exhibition this year, open before every ferry, in the CalMac VIP Lounge at Pier.

Saturday 6th October: Colonsay Young Farmers' Club Annual Root and Grain Show in Village Hall. Shop forms are available at the shop, and any visitors who will be here for that weekend and who wish to enter items in the Show can get a form by telephoning Rhona on 01951 200303

Saturday 6th October: Young Farmers' Dinner Dance in Village Hall. Catering and licensed bar is being provided by Colonsay Hotel, with music provided by Hector and his band. Book your tickets now - telephone Rhona on 01951 200303

SNIPPETS

Colonsay is mentioned at some length in STB's "Attraction Observer" Issue 11 (copies at shop); also was the subject of an article in "Red" (a copy is being posted to the editor); early this week Jocky happened to be digging a trench with his JCB and was able to tell a grateful Ross about a burst main he had noticed; on Sunday "Clansman" had a problem with the hydraulics on her ramp - in a surreal scene, crewmen used ladders to get ashore and Bill was able to do the honours with the Argyll & Bute "Vulture" lorry and a large bit of rope; on 8th September the "Scotsman" had a lengthy article about Mike Peacock's RSPB work and Andrew Abrahams oyster farm, entitled: "UK: Harvest for the wildlife", by Fred Bridgland; it was good to meet the great granddaughter of Mrs. Murray ("Summer in the Hebrides") on a visit to the island - we hope to be favoured with a brief article for a future edition of "The Corncrake".

NOOKS & CRANNIES: Sguid Pioghaid

Loder translates Sguid Pioghaid as "Magpie Shelter" and perhaps he is right, although the Magpie is an unknown bird today in Colonsay. Dwelly suggests alternatives such as Jackdaw or "Useless, talkative young woman"; one wonders how it was pronounced and whether it could have been a personal name?

At all events, this is a fine example of a typical Colonsay "sguid" or shelter (cf. English "shed", from Old German). All over the island, and going back at least 4,000 years, there are such dwellings, where a suitable overhanging rock make the basis for a home. Light poles (as could be obtained from the coppices nearby) were leaned against the rock face and covered with a simple thatch.

In many cases, such as this example at Balavetchy, traces of the cultivated garden ground and boundary walls etc. can still be traced. As far as we know, this particular residence has been disused for almost 200 years; it is within 100 metres of a well-developed and substantial (unrecorded) roundhouse whose history could extend for 2,000 years or more.

NOTICE
A longstanding email address went out of service this week, and many correspondents have been unable to make contact. To contact Kevin Byrne please use byrne@colonsay.org.uk.

The Magazine Section

On this day ...

"… chan eil ni sam bith nuadh fon ghrein" (Ecc. 1, v.9). The appalling events on 11th September led to references to "a day of infamy". In fact, the date already holds that title since, on a quite different 11th September many years ago, a religious fanatic approaching from the east launched a devastating and unprovoked attack upon a peaceful and ill-defended population, the architectural symbol of whose community was also a twin structure.

The year was 1649, the zealot was Oliver Cromwell, and his "thunderbolt of vigorous action" was directed against the population of of Drogheda (literally "two bridges"), where he put some 3,000 men to the sword. The balance of the population was deported into slavery in Barbados. Cromwell described it as a "righteous judgement" and felt that his God had afforded him "a great mercy".

"The evil that men do lives after them…", as is seen in the appalling consequences of that day. The roots of the Ardoyne dispute can be traced to the deeds of 11th September, 352 years ago.

Colonsay School, 1766-67

The following contribution is received from Domhnall Uilleam Stiubhart, whose work with the Primary School Ceilidh was mentioned in issue # 38 (see letters below). Domhnall has generously given "The Corncrake" access to the text of a fascinating paper which he recently delivered entitled "The Western Gaidhealtachd after the Statutes of Iona". Hopefully, it will be published in four parts, commencing with our next issue … it deals with the end-days of an era, and will be of great interest in connection with the demise of Clan MacPhie etc.

National Archives of Scotland GD 95/2/8 pp416-17 (Minutes of Committee Meetings of the SSPCK) (21/1/1768)

"There was produced a Petition by Mr. Alexr. Hosach Minr. of Jura & Colonsay for himself and in name of Donald McNiel of Colonsay Esqr. and others representing

that about Four Years ago The Societys School at Colonsay Don: McLean Master was suppressed in regard there had been no Reports transmitted of the visitation of said School for three Years

That this ommission was not owing to any fault in the Master Butt partly by their being no Minister in said Parish for two Years & partly by the remote situation of said School from the ministers residence being about 20 Miles by Sea.

The Committee having considered the above Petition They agreed / to restore the said School at Colonsay on Accot. of the particular Circumstances of the case, which prevented the regular transmission of the Reports of the visitation thereof with Certification that if regular Reports are not transmitted in time comming the Schools will be again ~~restored~~ suppressed altogether

And further the Committee ordered Donald McLeans Salary be paid him from 1st May 1766 to 1st November last upon Mr Hasoch's [sic] Attesting his service for that period."

Richard Prior Memorial

AN APPEAL

In September 2000, an article appeared in "The Corncrake", under the headline "Hugh of the Glen Vindicated". For reference it is reproduced below.

In that article, details were given of the tragic death of Richard Prior, a master gunner aboard H.M.S. "King Edward VII". His ship had been engaged in exercises off Colonsay and he was buried here in Kilchattan, with full naval honours. The First Lord of the Admiralty was in attendance, as was the Admiral of the Fleet together with officers and men of Richard's ship. Richard's mother was informed that a collection had been made amongst her son's comrades and that a memorial was to be provided.

Unfortunately, the memorial never appeared. In the years of the Great War, that same household lost no less than FIVE additional young men, all of whom had been raised as brothers; by an unhappy coincidence, none of them has a marked grave, although the date and place of their loss is known.

When the article appeared, readers suggested that a memorial should be provided even now. "…. The story is moving and should be marked with a lasting memorial … it should include details of his brothers to let future generations see the enormous sacrifice paid by individual families. "

For various reasons, this project has taken time, but at last the permissions are in place and a foundation has been laid. A quotation has been received from Alistair MacLean, Master Sculptor, for a simple granite stone to bear the following inscription:

To the memory of
Richard Prior
Master Gunner R.N.
H.M.S. "King Edward VII"
Killed off Colonsay
18th. Sept. 1912
also his brothers
Charles, killed in Belgium
23rd. Dec. 1914
Archibald, killed at Arras
3rd. May 1917
Herbert, killed at sea
30th. Oct. 1918
and cousins
James, killed at sea
22nd. Sept. 1914
Harry, killed on the Somme
7th. Oct. 1916

It is hoped that the memorial stone can be in place in time for Remembrance Day, when a suitable dedication will be arranged. Exact details of the cost are available on application. Anyone who would wish to be associated with this memorial is asked to assist by sending contributions to Kevin Byrne, Editor, "The Corncrake", Isle of Colonsay, Argyll PA61 7YR

Cash and cheques are of course acceptable, but overseas contributors may prefer to use credit cards. If sending details of a credit card, please use the mail or telephone + 44 1951 200320 or Fax +44 1951 200242 (within UK dial code is 01951). By email, you may prefer to send your credit card details in two separate parts - please mention the amount to be charged in each of the two messages together with a codeword, but reserve (say) the final four digits and the date of expiry for the second message. The codeword is so that the two messages can be remarried on receipt.

All contributions will be acknowledged and itemised, and an account will be circulated afterwards. If any contributor does not wish to be identified by name in the final account, please mention this and suggest a pseudonym instead. In the event of there being any surplus, it will be divided equally between the Church of Scotland and the Baptist Union in Colonsay, to be applied to charitable purposes.

Hugh of the Glen Vindicated

The story of Hugh of the Glen is well known (see pp. 188-189 of Loder, 2nd edition). It seems that, in a vision in the early 19th century, he foresaw a large scale military funeral in Colonsay. Loder mentions a route from Garvard, whereas the late Para Mòr McAllister described the tradition of the cortege going "across the golf course", but both versions suggested a procession over a mile in length.

Loder, talking about the opening years of the twentieth century, mentions that "when the (British Naval) fleet came to Colonsay, there were people who expected the vision to come true", but leaves the matter at that point. He then goes on to describe the naval gunnery trials of September 1913, in the presence of Winston Churchill, first Lord of the Admiralty.

Para Mòr, on the other hand, maintained that there had indeed been a funeral. As he described the matter, the fleet had been hereabouts for weeks on end and the sailors were becoming disenchanted. Then an unfortunate accident occurred, in which a relatively humble crew member was killed in an explosion, and it was decided to give him a full scale military funeral so as to occupy the men and raise morale. In this way, Hugh's vision came to be fulfilled.

There the matter has stood for many years, but a recent visitor to Colonsay, with no knowledge of Hugh's vision, asked for a lift to the graveyard, in search of the grave of a sailor called Prior. No such grave is marked, but the visitor then described the deceased as having been killed in a gunnery explosion during those pre-war trials and went on to say that the circumstances are recorded in the "Naval Gazette". According to her story, the official account records the fact that Winston Churchill was at the graveside.

This most interesting information has now been thoroughly confirmed, through the kindness of a correspondent, the great-niece of the deceased. This lady has expressed her pleasure that the story is remembered here, and provides additional detail:

"Richard Prior was a master gunner in the Royal Marine detachment aboard the battleship "King Edward VII" which was part of the fleet off Colonsay to test a new gun. So important was the exercise that the First Lord of the Admiralty Mr. Winston Churchill and Mrs. Churchill were watching the exercise from Colonsay, and they were quartered aboard the battleship HMS "Enchantress". According to the "Chatham Express" (Richard came from Chatham) a shell stuck in the breech and, as Richard was trying to clear it, the shell exploded, killing him and injuring three others. I have a letter from the Captain of the ship, Captain Heaton Ellis, to my Great Grandmother, dated September 18th 1912 (from which I give) the following extract:

"The accident happened during night practice at 10.15pm on September 16th when a shell exploded in the breech of the gun. Part of the shell struck your son ... killing him instantly, we are quite sure that he could not have suffered.
"Your son has been laid to rest in the cemetery at this beautiful place with all the impressiveness of a naval funeral and the solemnity of that beautiful Service. The First Lord of the Admiralty attended the service as did Admiral Burney, myself and representatives of all the officers messes.""

Richard was 31 years old and unmarried, the eldest of seven sons. Five of his six brothers perished in the Great War:

James Prior, killed at sea 22 September 1914
Charles Prior killed in Belgium 23 December 1914
Harry Prior killed on the Somme 7 October 1916
Archibald Prior killed at Arras 3 May 1917
Herbert Prior killed at sea 30 October 1918

Our correspondent goes on to say that "I am intrigued to hear that his grave is not commemorated since, in his letter of 18 September 1912, the Captain of "King Edward VII" wrote that the shipmates of Richard had collected enough money for a headstone to be erected."

[Postscript: Since the original article appeared, it is now known that of the seven boys two were in fact cousins, although they were all raised as brothers in the same household.

THE AMERICANS, THE EARL OF SELKIRK, AND COLONSAY'S 1806 EMIGRANTS TO PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Professor Sheets has kindly made this important essay available for publication in "The Corncrake"; readers will appreciate the author's generosity in the matter. It is hope that this will help to stimulate further research and correspondence and may assist us to prepare for a suitable commemorative programme for the bi-centenary in 2006 - Editor

June/July 2001

John W Sheets
Professor of Anthropology and Director of the Archives and Museum
JCK Library 1470
Central Missouri State University
Warrensburg, Missouri 64093 USA
e-mail: sheets@cmsu1.cmsu.edu

ABSTRACT In September 1806 the ship "Spencer" landed at Prince Edward Island with over one hundred people from the island of Colonsay, Argyll, Scotland. Traveling in large, extended families, they had responded to a local laird, John McNeill, "Improving" their lives and to the Earl of Selkirk offering land across the Atlantic. Selkirk wanted Gaelic-speaking emigrants to block colonial America on the verge of expansion. His promotion of Prince Edward Island led to the "Baldoon" settlement in the Great Lakes and to the "Red River" settlement at Lake Winnipeg. Success of the Colonsay settlers started a "chain of migration" into Canada that depopulated the isolated, tiny island. Early 19th century emigrations from Gaelic Scotland often involved planning and sponsors reacting to the politics, personalities and changing spaces in the era of Jefferson and Napoleon.

Please note that this study includes material reproduced with kind permission of the Registrar General for Scotland.

Part III of IV ended:
Whether this mattered or not, the nearly six score of emigrants from Colonsay had survived the Atlantic and set permanent foot on new space. They spent the winter at Pinette, with provisions and in quarters provided by Selkirk. The next spring, 1807, they moved to the Wood Islands area of Lot 62 to begin their new lives in a New World.

Part IV, concludes… In one sense, these Hebrideans coming to Prince Edward Island were minor players in a much grander drama. Or, like another trans-Atlantic tale from Colonsay, "…the fates of mere individuals exist in sheer coincidence with international events." But the major players met some unintended consequences by the end of their lives. On 23 September 1806, one day after the "Spencer" reached its destination, Lewis and Clark reached the safety of St Louis, Missouri. President Jefferson forever celebrated their success at describing and measuring the incomprehensible spaces of his "Purchase." Once the War of 1812 secured New Orleans and the Mississippi River, a "Manifest Destiny" seized America; its westward wave of people, and their disputes, dismayed even Jefferson in his later years.

While the Colonsay emigrants prepared for their first winter, the Earl of Selkirk prepared for a place in national politics. In the Picture Gallery of Holyrood House, Edinburgh, Thomas Douglas was elected to the House of Lords on 4 December 1806, taking his seat at Westminster on the 15th. The next year he met, courted and married (on November 24th) Miss Jean Wedderburn-Colville whose family kept a controlling interest in the Hudson's Bay Company. In 1808 Selkirk dispatched a nephew, Basil Hall, to Prince Edward Island and a shimmer of profits there resurrected his dream of a dominion in western Canada. With Alexander Mackenzie, he bought Company stock now shrinking in price since Napoleon had shrunk the Baltic fur markets. It was a banner year for his investments, writing about national defense or parliamentary reform, and election to the Royal Society on July 1st; still better, his only son and heir, Dunbar James Douglas, was born in London on 22 April 1809. After much spending, more scheming, some persuasion and patience, Selkirk reached his ultimate destination in May 1811; the Directors of the Hudson's Bay Company ceded 116,000 square miles to him around Lake Winnipeg-a territory in today's Manitoba, Minnesota and North Dakota almost five times the size of Scotland. Did such a nascent empire provoke the American attack and destruction of Baldoon in the War of 1812, certainly not improving the Earl's opinion of 'Yankees' ? It provoked the rival Northwest Company to fight him in the courts and on the land. "Red River Settlement" extracted a fortune of time and money from Thomas Douglas, who spent 1815-18 in Canada. Given the bloodshed and damage on the Canadian prairie, British courts forced payments from him, shattering health and spirit. The 5th Earl of Selkirk died on 8 April 1820, 48 years-old, in Pau, France, where he is buried.

Although the "Spencer" took nearly 15% of his people away, John McNeill of Colonsay accelerated his 'Improvements' and profits during Napoleon's era. Britain's wartime economy devoured Argyll beef, barley, oats, potatoes and burned kelp (powdered seaweed for industry). Colonsay's population went from 786 in 1811 to 905 in 1821, but islanders still left, in part, due to the laird's heavy hand. He did not appreciate a Baptist minister from Mull baptizing two of his daughters and others in local lochs, so he refused employment to the converts. To find work, men rowed their boats to Mull or Islay while some Baptist families went to Wellington County, Ontario (north of Toronto) in the 1830s. For those staying, John McNeill was forever the affectionate "Old Laird" of paternal instincts, Gaelic speech and staunch Presbyterianism. On the first household census of 6 June 1841, Colonsay and Oronsay listed 979 residents, approximately 50 per square mile. Their distribution, though, was not even; Kilchattan boasted 255 people in 43 households while Balnahard struggled with 32 in just 6 homes. Nevertheless, the parish minister from Jura applauded the laird in Scotland's second Statistical Account: "Mr McNeill has thus, by judicious, persevering and well-directed efforts, not only brought his estate in a high condition of cultivation and productiveness, but he has likewise much improved the condition of the small crofters, and afforded constant occupation to a numerous and comfortable population." Actually, he had witnessed a decade or more of falling prices for Colonsay's exports and mercifully died on 24 February 1846, the eve of the Potato Famine. Colonsay and Oronsay lost another 15% of the population by the 1851 census, thus entering decades of emigration and 150 years of depopulation.

By comparison, Prince Edward Island, its emigrants and their descendants flourished. The Colonsay people joined a growing population of more than 7,000. Like the previous Selkirk settlers, they occupied narrow, Acadian-style strips of land, 1/8 by 1 ¼ miles. A cabin "fronted" either a road or the coast within sight and sound of neighbours; they cleared more ground slowly and, at great effort, expanded into the forest. Malcolm, Neil, James and Angus Munn negotiated contiguous lots of 100 acres along the road to Wood Islands. Although Neil never developed his land and James operated a shipyard on the coast, the brothers appear side-by-side on an early "Plan of Township 62." As Selkirk wished, more emigrants followed the McNeills, McMillans and Munns to this part of the island. In 1808 the "Clarendon" arrived in Charlottetown with 188 passengers, almost all from districts in Perth or hamlets in Mull. Each possessed the same stated "Cause of Emigration" being "Want of Employment." One family embedded in the ship's list of Mull people came from Colonsay, "Labourer" John Munn with his wife and six children. The Gaelic dialects and their speakers blended well under the pastoral care of Rev Angus McAulay in Belfast. So crucial was he during the early years that over one hundred men signed a letter of appreciation to the Governor on 5 November 1811. It expressed "our gratitude and respect to the Reverend Doctor…The greatest part being unacquainted with the English tongue would be totally deprived of clerical instruction were it not for his knowledge of the Gaelic language." Among the signatures, and from the "Spencer," were James Currie, Malcolm McNeill, Hector McMillan, James McMillan, Malcolm Munn and James Munn. Such devotion led the Earl of Selkirk to donate "a beautiful hill" in Belfast for building a space of worship, finished by the settlers in 1824 and named St John's Presbyterian Church. Its second Sunday service in Gaelic endured until a few years before World War I.

A transplanted legacy from Colonsay literally multiplied, mutated, and inherited itself through the next generations. Large families dominated; Angus Munn fathered nine more children, James matched him with ten. The emigrants' children, though increasingly bilingual, tended to marry within their proximal space of common culture. For example, Hector McMillan from the "Spencer" married Isabella Fraser whose parents sailed on the "Polly." Ann Munn married James McMillan from the "Spencer" and they produced ten children. Future arrivals from Colonsay, like Malcolm Blue, quickly met other islanders and just as easily married one of them-in his case, James Munn's daughter Flora. Malcolm Blue's handwritten "Lease for 999 years of 100 acres on Lot 62" (next to his father-in-law) was a delayed "Indenture" to the estate of the Earl of Selkirk, made 3 March 1829, then registered 16 May 1834. Whatever the technicality, Malcolm, wife and children fared better than his remnant family still in Colonsay. The 1841 Canadian census shows a household of seven owning cattle, horses, hogs and sheep; they "produced…during the last year" 6 bushels of barley, 15 bushels of wheat, 60 bushels of oats, and 300 bushels of potatoes. In Colonsay, Malcolm's "70" year-old father John and "20" year-old brother Alexander were "Agricultural labourers" for John McNeill, living on the east coast with fishermen and their families at Riasg Buidhe (Yellow Marsh).

Other Blues had departed for Prince Edward Island, not always arriving by the most immediate route. Angus Blue and family spent 1832 in Cape Breton before coming to Lot 62 at Little Sands. His daughter Jessie married Malcolm Munn, son of Malcolm Munn on the "Spencer"; his wife Catherine McNeill was the sister of Duncan "Ban" McNeill, baptized on 23 February 1806 in Colonsay.

Even those leaving Prince Edward Island sometimes landed not far from their Colonsay roots. Born in 1842 at Wood Islands, Donald (or "Dan") Munn was a great-grandson of Duncan Munn and Flora Brown from the "Spencer." He knew the aftermath of Belfast's riot of 1 March 1847 when Irish Catholics and Scottish Presbyterians clashed over a by-election; problems of power and poverty had grown within the insular community of nearly 40,000 people. He left for "Canada West" where Gaelic emigrants from Scotland were seen altogether differently since the Potato Famine. The Dundas Warden of 2 October 1851 had complained of "emigrants of the poorer class, who arrive here from the Western Highlands…they are reduced to the necessity of begging. But again, the case of those emigrants of which we speak is rendered more deplorable from their ignorance of the English tongue." He settled in Bruce County, on the shore of Lake Huron, where an enclave of Colonsay Baptists lived in Elderslie Township. Dan Munn from Prince Edward Island married Margaret Currie McNeill, grand-daughter of the Baptist leader Lauchlin McNeill. Lauchlin's wife, who died in Colonsay during January 1841, was Catherine Currie, older sister of Hester Currie, the one married to Colonsay's miller and also baptized on 23 February 1806.

In a study of Scotch-Irish emigrants on Amherst Island, Ontario, CA Wilson of Guelph University posits that "Following the same individuals through their lives and across the ocean is the most promising way to recapture the immigrant experience…" A similarly constructed story about Colonsay's emigrants aboard the "Spencer" in 1806 shows how very different were Gaelic emigrations in the 19th century. Unlike the famine ships after 1846, earlier voyages and landings benefited greatly from sponsors, planning, cooperation, some support, and a degree of choice. Large, extended families could guard and gird themselves for some of the shocks on both sides of the Atlantic. But they also started "a chain of migration" that gradually lost its Gaelic culture; Colonsay populated parts of Canada while depopulating itself. The story of the "Spencer" designates those Big Forces and Big People who impacted so many lives. Very apparent were: an adolescent democracy in America; the antipathy of a Scottish aristocrat; his ambitions, energy and assets; an "Improving" laird in the Hebrides; and, a French general-cum-emperor. Crucial connections between the major and minor players also emerge. One was a vehicle of faith, Rev Angus McAulay, the other a vehicle of transport, the "Spencer." The one died and the other went out of service in the same year, 1827. Some of the McNeills, McMillans and Munns from the "Spencer" found their final space in the Wood Islands Pioneer Cemetery. After long lives, they wanted the future to know their original space. A gravestone's base for James McMillan ("died February 11, 1861 aged 78 years") and his wife Ann Munn ("died March 10, 1870 aged 82 years") reads "Natives of Colonsay, Scotland…emigrated to this Island in 1806."

This extract concludes the four-part publication of Prof. Sheets essay. For technical reasons the footnotes were not included in "The Corncrake" series, but it is hoped that the full text, complete with footnotes, will shortly be posted on the main Colonsay website, probably in the genealogy section.

Website to Explore: Scots ORIGINS

Before mentioning the chosen site, an aside. We have heard a lot about religious fundamentalists this week, and in the interests of balance it might be no harm to remember that there are many Christian fundamentalists as well, people who eagerly anticipate Apocalypse. It is not unreasonable to suppose that there are some who would wish to hasten its advent. Just for curiosity, readers might like to see just how some such groups will take comfort from the super-NATO alliance which has been forced upon the world. Using (say) Google, try a search on "United Nations August bible".

On a more comfortable note, readers may like to be reminded that the General Register Office for Scotland has a superb website. You can access the index to the Statutory Registers of births and marriages from 1855 to 1899 and deaths from 1855 to 1924, the index of births and marriages of the old Parish registers, from 1553 to 1854, and the index to the Scottish census of 1891.

It costs about £6.00 (US$10.00) to access the site, giving you the ability to download up to 30 pages of records in the course of a 24 hour period. This compares very favourably with the cost of accommodation in Edinburgh. For details go to:

http://www.origins.net

Regulars

Readers Write

NOTICE:
In future, and for the convenience of readers, any correspondence relating to current events will hopefully be found in the first part of the Letters page, and items in connection with history, genealogy etc. will be further down.

In connection with the future of our ferry service, one parent who was unable to attend the Public Meeting wrote as follows:

23/08/01
Mr Andrew McGregor, Secretary
Colonsay Community Council

Dear Andrew
I have heard some unsubstantiated reports from the Community Council Meeting which was held on Monday 20th August regarding the Sunday Ferry sailing to Oban.

I was very upset to hear that the majority of people thought the Sunday sailing was an inconvenience and would prefer a sailing on the Monday instead. The reason that neither Nigel nor I, as parents, could attend the meeting was that I was in Oban as our son was going into his first year at High School and (probably at the time of your meeting) was saying "Look at staying in the Hostel in small chunks and remember you will be home on Friday". It will never be easy for 11 year old children to leave for High School but at least the Sunday sailing means that they can come home for the weekend until after the October Holidays.

If the Community Council should be fighting for anything then they should be asking for a suitable weekend sailing all the year round and not just in the Summer! I know that many people are put off living in Colonsay because their children have to go to Oban for secondary education and that many people leave before their children get to that age.

Surely what we should be doing is encouraging young people to stay on the Island and thinking of the next generation.

Yours
Rhona Grant

[Note: It is now known (14 September) that the consultants will have submitted their draft report to the Scottish Executive by the end of October THIS YEAR. Although they are to consult "widely" they have made no contact with Colonsay and it seems that they do not intend to consult this community - Editor]

We have received a copy of a letter which was published in Business AM magazine:

To: letters@businessam.co.uk
Subject: "Scottish tourism has a big job on its hands" John Penman
22/08/01

Our family holidays in Scotland every summer and we don't experience any of the problems mentioned by John Penman and countless others.

We holiday in Colonsay, which seems able to get most things right all of the time - including the weather. The combination of natural beauty and enterprising hospitality is rewarded by loyal holidaymakers coming back every year.

I propose that the people of Colonsay should be put in charge of Scottish tourism. Before you dismiss this as a daft idea, have a look at the island's website (www.colonsay.org.uk) and its fortnightly electronic newsletter "Corncrake" and you'll see what I mean.

Peter Gibson
E-mail: p.gibson@craigforth.co.uk

Dear Editor

My wife and I have recently returned from a very relaxing albeit short honeymoon on Colonsay and would just like to let you know that the island, the scenery, and the locals made sure that Colonsay will always be a place very close to our hearts.

We were married in Tain on 01 September and caught The Clansman over on the Sunday. Unfortunately, because of work commitments, we had to come back on the Wednesday ferry. In that short, but wonderful trip, we found a beautiful, idyllic resting place and warm hospitality from everyone we met - especially Angus @ the Smiddy (where we stayed).

We hope to return again next month for another visit, but until then, we both hope that you and all of the other islanders enjoy what you have on your doorsteps as much as we did.

Best Regards
Kevin & Gaynor Hogg

A charaid chòir,

Tha mi a' sgrìobhadh thugaibh as leth Fhéis Latharna gus taing a thoirt do mhuinntir Cholbhasa a bha cho fialaidh ruinne ré an dà latha a bha sinn ag obrachadh anns an sgoil, 's sinn a' teagasg do'n chloinn beagan ceòl na fìdeig, òran (tha e sgoinneil a leughadh anns an Traon gu robh iad 'gan gabhail air bus na sgoile!), dràma, Gàidhlig agus a' dèanamh dhealbh - gun luaidh air snaidheadh ròn! B'i fàilte gu math crìdheil a fhuair sinn bho mhuinntir an àite, agus na h-uibhir dhiubh an-làthair aig céilidh na cloinne feasgar Dhi-haoine anns an tàlla ùr mhìorbhaileach a thog sibh. Tha sinn an dòchas gun do chòrd e riubh.

Tha sinn a' cuideachd a' toirt taing do mhuinntir Thaigh Lochair agus muinntir Taigh-Òsda Scalasaig airson nan duaisean a thug iad seachad dhuinn airson a' chrannchur-ghill aig a' chéilidh.

Mu dheireadh, bu mhath leinn taing a thoirt do'n chloinn fhéin 's iad cho dealasach deònach, agus a dh'obraich cho cruaidh fad na h-ùine a bha sinn 'nan cuideachd, do luchd na sgoile air fad agus gu seachd sònraichte do Bhan-Mh. NicNéill a bha cho cuideachail 'nuair a bha sinn a' cur a' chuairt air dòigh, agus a bha cho suairce fhad's a bha sinn ann.

B'iad na h-urrasan againn: Comataidh Craolaidh Gàidhlig; Bòrd an Dealain; An Comann Gàidhealach Meur Chruachainn; agus luchd-riaghlaidh a' Cho-op anns an Òban. Cha b'urrainn dhuinn an cuairt a dhèanamh as aonais na taice a fhuair sinn bhuapa.

Air sgàth nan aiseag, cha b'urrainn dhuinn fuireachd na b'fhaide, agus bu mhór am beud. Chan e a-mhàin gu bheil Colbhasa air a bhuileachadh le maise nàdair; tha e làn eachdraidh, agus le dualchas cho saoibhir 's a tha aig eilean sam bith eile de 'mheud ann an Albainn. Tha sinn an dòchas nach bi ro fhada gus an till sinn a-rithist, agus gum bi beagan a bharrachd tìde againn an ath thuras.

I am writing to you on behalf of Féis Latharna to thank the people of Colonsay who were so kind to us during the two days we were working in the school, teaching the children some tin whistle, songs (it's great to read in the Corncrake that they were singing them on the school bus!), drama, Gaelic agus doing artwork - not to mention making seal sculptures! We had a warm welcome from the Colbhasaich, with so many present at the children's céilidh on Friday night in the wonderful new hall you built. We hope that you enjoyed it.

We would also like to thank the House of Lochar, and the Scalasaig Hotel for their generosity in providing prizes for the raffle at the céilidh.

Finally, we would like to thank the children themselves, who were so enthusiastic and worked so hard all the time we were there, to all those involved in running the school, and especially to Mrs. MacNeill who was so helpful to us while we were preparing for the trip, and so generous to us while we were on the island.

Our sponsors were: the Gaelic Broadcasting Committee; Scottish Hydro-Electric; An Comann Gàidhealach Taynuilt Branch; and the Scottish Co-operative in Oban. Without their support, we couldn't have made it.

Unfortunately, because of the ferry timetables, we couldn't stay longer. Colonsay not only possesses great natural beauty, but also as rich a history and culture as any comparable island in Scotland. We hope that it will not be too long before we return once more, and that we'll have a little bit more time too.

Le gach deagh dhùrachd,
Dùghlas Beck, Màiri Kidd agus Domhnall Uilleam Stiùbhart

Georgina kindly reminds me that the gravestone mentioned in the "Scotsman" (see "Corncrake" # 38) was the one that was mentioned in an earlier edition of "The Corncrake", when it was submitted by Sir. John Graham, together with a photograph. Sadly, we still have little information about the deceased.

Archibald MacPhee McNeill's gravestone

Subject: Civil Registration in UK

A recent letter from Michael McPhee in Australia to "The Galley" - Clan Macfie (Scotland) Journal seeking details of his family, only emphasises the need for a specialist Clan Genealogist.

Compulsory Civil Registration was introduced to England & Wales on 1 July 1837 - in Ireland in 1864 which covered the whole country until 1921 when North and South were separated - and in Scotland on 1 January 1855. Records of Births, Marriages and Deaths for those in the Armed Forces are kept at the Family Records Centre (formerly St.Catherines House) in London.

Acquisition of these details is not something normally done by Societies or Clans and it is an expensive business for each individual to acquire certificates let alone do the necessary searches.

Prior to these dates, Parish Registers can be used and many of these are listed in the Mormons IGI, but what religion was your family? Non-conformist information is not normally listed in the IGI.

Let us hope that the suggested Clan Federation of Societies will be formed to embrace this problem.

In the meantime "Research and Record" has over 50 booklets and pamphlets with acquired information on Emigration - Generalogy and History, including lists of names in chronological order that may include your family.

… I have just completed a comprehensive listing of the names DUHY and DUTHIG in Ireland. These are local variations of DUFFY found in more modern times in Kerry, Limerick and Cork. These are considered to be part of Ui Dhubhthaigh and anyone interested is welcome to contact me.

David Morgan, Chairman
Ui Dhubhthaigh

From: Kristi Nealy
Date: 10 September 2001 07:33
Subject: colonsay ancestors

The first generation of my family in the U.S. has been traced to John Maguffe (maguffee, maguffie, McGuffey). He came to the Colony of Virginia before 1670. He may have immigrated from Colonsay. The family name may have originally been spelled MacFie or MacPhee. Family legend has it that 2 Scottish brothers married 2 Irish sisters and then immigrated to the states. I would appreciate any clues or info. available.
Thanks, Kristi M. Nealy

Editor's reply: Good afternoon - Maguffe is certainly one of the spellings of MacFie etc., a family that has been prominent in Colonsay since AD 1200; it had a serious reverse in 1623 and (the survivors of!) a senior branch went to live elsewhere; Islay, Kintyre, Edinburgh. Some of them later went to Ireland (Armagh or Derry areas), and there was emigration to America after 1690 (when they fought on King William's side). I do not know of any emigration to America from Colonsay before 1760 or so, but that does not mean that there was not any that took place.

I like the legend. By coincidence two brothers Gormley in Co. Tyrone married two daughters of a MacDuffie from Scotland in 1680 (I am descended from one of them), but they did not emigrate and the McDuffie family are still there. The scenario you mention would not be remarkable - the brothers could easily have gone into Ireland as planters, marrying two sisters would not be rare (particularly if they had no brothers and thus a small inheritance would be undivided); such people could then have put the inheritance up as capital to get themselves into Virgina.

I do not have any definite information, but will include your letter in "The Corncrake" in case other readers can help. Kindest regards - Kevin Byrne

Tom Parkin writes:

In the Old Parish Register marriages is this wonder:
2 Dec 1842 Donald McNeill & Donald Buie
How to solve the bride's name?

There is only one OPR christening to a couple resembling this:
26 Sep 1841 to Donald McNeill & Ann Bue son Neil

That isn't enough to be convincing, so the 1851 Uregaig census:
Dond. McNeill Head 34 Crofter
Ann " Wife Marr. 30 Housewife
Neil " Son 9 Scollar
Peggy " Daughter 7 Scollar
Dun. " Son 5 Scollar
Alexr. " Son 9m

All are born Colonsay, and Neil's age fits perfectly. I cannot find a family resembling this on Colonsay in the 1861 census.

But in the 1871 census of Elderslie Township, Bruce County, Ontario, I find this family:
Anne McNeil Head Widow 50 Farmer born Scot.
Neil McNeil 29 born Scotland
Duncan McNeil 24 ditto
Margret McNeil 27 ditto
Archy McNeil 15 ditto
Daniel McNeil 13 ditto
Hugh McNeil 11 ditto
John McNeil 8 ditto

Finally, in the Ontario 1876 marriage registrations, I find a marriage for a Neil McNeill, age 30, son of Donald and Mrs. McNeill. Neil's bride is a child of Colonsay migrants. Preponderence of evidence is such that I'm willing to accept the 1842 marriage of two men is properly of Donald McNeill and Ann(e) Buie.

We will be happy to receive more letters and, as always, the editor would like to hear from anyone who might wish to contribute. Individual articles on news or local events will always be welcome.
Contact

the Editor - byrne@colonsay.org.uk

Editorial Policy

Corncrake is published to keep all our friends in touch with life on the island. Contributions are invited and welcomed.
Fortnightly editions will carry details of coming events, special offers etc. Please send letters and proposals for specific articles to
the Editor
Brief genealogical and related queries are also welcome from Colbhasachs overseas, as are obituaries and family traditions relating to Colonsay emigrants.
This publication will hopefully develop to reflect the interests of the readership so please feel free to make your contribution. The magazine section needs articles on flora, fauna, geology, fishing, crofting etc.